Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025! We are so excited to see where your journeys take you next! ❤︎ 

As you venture outside to find colourful backgrounds for graduation photos or new places to explore with furry friends, consider taking a moment to learn more about what you encounter on side of the path. The flowering plant in the image above has an english name of Salmonberry, in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ the bush is called lileʔəɬp and the fruit is called lileʔ. You can learn how to pronounce those names on the Museum of Vancouver website, using resource created in collaboration between the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Language Department and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.  

How do we disrupt systemic colonial attitudes in the classroom while integrating Indigenous topics in a way that supports addressing knowledge gaps in a good way? 

Classrooms are diverse spaces, comprised of many different lived experiences and knowledges. When introducing Indigenous topics into curricula, building a safer space for Indigenous students often coincides with the need to bridge knowledge gaps alongside non-Indigenous students and instructors. This interactive virtual workshop will bring materials in from the What I Learned in Class Today Facilitation Guide and Toolkit, launched March 2024 and will include both guided group discussion and smaller breakout groups.  

Date: May 22, 2025
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: Zoom

We welcome you to attend one of CTLT Indigenous Initiatives’ monthly Virtual Coffee Hours. They are an informal space to connect with consultants on the team and other colleagues across the university. Some common topics that come up include:  

• Professional development plans for individuals, teams, and departments  
• Engaging with the Indigenous Strategic Plan
• Fostering a respectful classroom and campus climate
• Connecting with a network of people across the university
• Locating relevant resources
• Meaningful land acknowledgements

…and more!

Upcoming Dates: 

• May 21, 2025
• June 26, 2025
• July 22, 2025

The Arts Vitality Grant is a one-time opportunity to receive up to $10,000 to support creative projects that contribute to B.C First Nations arts. This grant supports B.C. First Nations storytellers, artists and arts organizations to share about the perseverance of storytelling, arts knowledge and practices in their communities. Stories may be told in a variety of ways using creative expressions such as weaving, carving, beading, dancing, songs, film and more. Projects that focus on the revitalization of community arts traditions whose vitality is threatened will be prioritized. 

A number of UBC Community members co-authored this paper. Abstract:
Indigenous languages in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States are endangered due to colonial policies which promote English language dominance. While Indigenous communities know the importance of language for their wellbeing, this topic has only recently received attention in scholarship and public policy. This scoping review synthesizes and assesses existing literature on the links between the vitality of Indigenous languages and health or wellness in four English-speaking settler colonial countries.

Join Canadians in ceremony and solidarity on Moose Hide Campaign Day with the goal of ending gender-based violence. The Moose Hide Campaign began as a BC-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has since grown into a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from local communities, First Nations, governments, schools, colleges/universities, police forces and many other organizations – all committed to taking action to end this violence.

Date: May 15, 2025

Join us for an in-depth tour of our feature exhibition with Assistant Curator Amelia Rea. As one of the exhibition’s co-curators, Amelia will offer behind-the-scenes insight into the artworks and the stories they tell. The tour is included with gallery admission, and no registration is needed. Just drop in and enjoy!

Date: May 23, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Bill Reid Gallery, 639 Hornby Street

Join us for the 4th annual Indigenous Market at Westminster Quay and inside River Market, presented by Arts New West, Shop First Nations, and Native Art Renaissance. This free, family-friendly event celebrates Indigenous culture, entrepreneurship, and community through art, food, fashion, and storytelling.

Date: June 7, 2025
Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Westminster Quay Boardwalk & River Market 810 Quayside Drive

Come join us for an evening of storytelling and music with Indigenous Storyteller in Residence at the VPL, Chris Bose, Word Vancouver Indigenous Curator Kayla MacInnis and Word Vancouver LGBTQ2S+ Curator Candie Tanaka.

The Word Vancouver Festival aims to foster the joy of the written word and inspire creativity by bringing together readers and writers from all backgrounds in an annual, inclusive and free literary arts festival, connecting local communities and celebrating literary arts through the collective experience.

Date: June 10, 2025
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Central Library, 350 West Georgia St.