Feature stories

February 21: What the Land Remembers – Tales of Raven & Wolf

Come see the best of Yukon First Nations as they share their cultures on stage during a 45-minute, multi-disciplinary presentation that will excite all of your senses. The YFN2010 team has been rehearsing 'What the Land Remembers – tales of Raven & Wolf" for over a year and they happily invite everyone to come join in their celebrations. "To share the Yukon Nations' stories, culture and people with the world is remarkable" says co-executive producer for YFN2010, Katie Johnson. "We have set a new 'bar' for our whole team in the possibilities of our artists. We hope people enjoy learning about our culture through this performance."

The performance will showcase the 14 distinct First Nations cultures and stories through a blend of music, song, dance, visual components and poetry. The show is a beautiful balance of narrative and strong musical performance that transitions to a soft visual aspect followed by an explosive dance number — a perfect blend of artistic elements that compliment an already world-class performance that will keep you excited and engaged.

Over 70 delegates including performing artists, production staff, visual artists, youth and elders have traveled to Vancouver to show the world how diverse the Yukon is. Their production, What the Land Remembers – Tales of Raven & Wolf will share the Yukon's four season and history through the eyes of traditional raven and wolf.

Later on in the evening, the programming is dedicated to Blues lovers; the Dome at the Chiefs' House will bring home some of the most soul-stirring, heartfelt and raise-the-roof blues around. It all starts at 9:30pm and will include veteran bluesman Murray Porter, a Mohawk, and award-winning songwriter from Six Nations in Ontario. Porter joins forces with singer Leanne Goose, chapman stick master Pat Braden, funk bassist Shaki Hayes and guitar/piano phenom Jared Sowan for a show not to be missed.

While you are here, come enjoy a very special menu of Aboriginal inspired cuisine during Lounge Nights at the Jack Pool Reception Hall. Here, the flat screen televisions will be on our Olympic broadcaster for you to watch the highlights of the day's events while you relax and enjoy some delicious food and drink.  We open at 9pm; see you here!

The Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase

The Village has been bustling with excitement, Aboriginal artisans from across Canada have been showing and selling their works with great success. One of these artisans is Walter Davidson, a Haida jewelry carver originally from British Columbia, but now residing in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Davidson's pieces span from rings and earring to intricate bracelets any woman would love to wear. To add to your accessory collection while paying respect to Northwest Coast people's traditions, try on some cedar bark bracelets. The cedar tree is very important to West Coast Salish peoples, they made their homes from the timber, as well as their clothing. Anthony Hunt of the Kwakiutl Nation is a traditional Kwakwaka'wakw cedar bark basket maker and also creates several different types of cedar accessories. Both of these artists will be at the Aboriginal Artisan Village until tomorrow, February 22th.

In the same space within the Vancouver Community College is the Business Showcase. Here, Aboriginal businesses are set up to promote and build business connections with the public and potential clients. If you are interested in architecture, or are looking for ideas for your next project, Patrick R. Stewart will be on-site to tell you about his unique architectural work. He is the first licensed First Nations architect in B.C and is Nisga'a. His portfolio includes work down with First Nations communities and organizations and is currently working on mixed-use (commercial and residential) multi-story buildings here in Vancouver. Stewart will be at the Business Showcase until February 23rd.
 
Performing on the Artisan Village Main Stage today will be Art Napoleon, a singer/songwriter from the boreal foothills of the Northwest. His music is a powerful blend of contemporary roots music and traditional-style First Nations singing. He's earned numerous award nominations from the Western Canadian Music Awards, the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards and the Native American Music Awards.  Art will be entertaining the crowd at 11am, 3pm and 6pm.