For the most recent information on this year’s event, please visit our updated press release for the 3rd Annual New West Craft Indigenous Market here. Join us as we continue to celebrate Indigenous artistry and entrepreneurship!
New Westminster, BC – The Arts Council of New Westminster is pleased to announce that New West Craft will once again be partnering with Shop First Nations to host an Indigenous Market on the traditional territories of the Qayqayt First Nation. On Saturday, June 10, the boardwalk at Westminster Quay will come alive with Indigenous art, storytelling, dance, music, food and more.
The New West Craft Indigenous Market aims to bolster First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists and small businesses by encouraging consumers to invest in Indigenous made art, goods, and services. By introducing the community to local Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs, the event hopes to foster a connection through food, art, and craft and create relationship-building and learning opportunities.
The event will run 11am to 4pm and feature over 35 vendors stretched out along the boardwalk in front of River Market.
“We are proud to partner with Arts New Westminster and Buffalo Heart Healing Society to create opportunities for Indigenous businesses,” says Rob Schulz, President of Shop First Nations. “This event is a demonstration of how Canadians and community organizations can contribute to economic reconciliation and growing the Indigenous economy, in support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call-To-Action #92.”
New Indigenous Artist Showcase
This year’s event will also feature the Expressions of Reclamation series. Curated by ACNW Indigenous Curator S^yowah, Expressions of Reclamation is a series of free artist showcase events that provide a safe and welcoming space for the community to learn about Indigenous practices and creative expressions. Live performances and talks will take place on the boardwalk and Community Square inside River Market.
“Reconciliation is more than words and ceremony. Action is a big part of it,” says ACNW Indigenous Curator S^yowah. “I am thankful for events like the Indigenous Market and Expressions of Reclamation because they take action in supporting local Indigenous artists and businesses.”
Another new feature to this year’s event are window art displays. A group of young Indigenous artists will be painting windows around River Market.
“Our first event in 2022 was a big success and we are thrilled to see this event grow and become a space where local Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs can share their work with the community,” explains ACNW Executive Director, Laura Grady.
New West Craft Indigenous Market Details
- Date: June 10, 2023
- Time: 11am to 4pm
- Location: River Market (Westminster Quay), 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC
- Website: www.acnw.ca/newwestcraft
- Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/569072801878630
Event Schedule (subject to change)
Boardwalk (outside)
11:00 am Welcome and Land Acknowledgment
11:15 am Squamish Ocean Canoe Family
12:30 pm Hailey Wallis Musical Performance
1:30 pm Francis Baptiste Musical Performance
3:00 pm Dance Performance with Emily Solstice Tait & Jeanette Kotowich
Community Square (2nd floor, River Market)
12:00 pm Vancity Labyrinth Workshop with Vanessa Lesperance (click here to pre-register)
1:00 pm Story telling with Haida Artist Kung Jaadee
2:00 pm Vancity Labyrinth Workshop with Vanessa Lesperance (click here to pre-register)
3:30 pm Artist Talk with James Groening, Ryan Hughes, Claire Akiwenzie (River Market Window Painters)
Join Us at the New West Craft Indigenous Market
Admission to the event is free, and no registration is required. However, we’d love to know if you’re coming! RSVP to our Facebook event and please share the event with your family and friends. See you there!
Media Contact
Laura Grady
Executive Director, Arts Council of New Westminster
programs@acnw.ca
About Shop First Nations
Shop First Nations is an Indigenous-owned digital platform seeking to enable Reconciliation through impactful consumer purchasing, e-commerce and digital marketing, and education initiatives. Our mission is to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses by encouraging consumers to invest in Indigenous goods and services, and supporting such businesses in the digital economy while honoring the Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to action.
You can follow Shop First Nations on Instagram, Facebook, or by joining our Facebook group for supporting Indigenous businesses in BC.
About the Arts Council of New Westminster
Founded in 1967, The Arts Council of New Westminster is a community arts organization built by artists and arts groups who share an interest in visual, performing, and literary arts. The Arts Council’s role in the community is to advocate for the arts and foster support for those engaging in artistic and cultural endeavours.
