ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl – Come Toward the Fire Festival 2025

📅 Dates: September 20 – 21, 2025
📍 Location: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC

Event Overview

The ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl (Come Toward the Fire) Festival returns September 20–21, 2025, for its 4th annual celebration of Indigenous culture, creativity, and community. Presented by the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts and Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), this family-friendly and accessible gathering features free daytime programming, workshops, artisan markets, storytelling, food vendors, and performances by Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island.

The festival culminates on Sunday evening with a ticketed finale concert featuring the legendary powwow drum group Northern Cree and rising star Tia Wood.

What to Expect

Live Performances
– Northern Cree (Finale Concert)
– Tia Wood
– Samantha Crain
– Wyatt C. Louis
– OMBIIGIZI
– David Morin
– Willie Thrasher & Linda Saddleback
– Coastal Wolf Pack
– Git Hayetsk Dancers
– Jeremy Parkin
– Deerlady
– Electric Religious
– Ethan Lyric
– Fontine
– DJ Kota & AlyssaJB (Hotlatch DJs)
…and many more Indigenous artists across stages.

Film Screenings
– Sugarcane
– imagineNATIVE Family Shorts
– The Road to Hasalala Danxalax (Premiere)
– c̓əsnaʔəm – The City Before the City

Storytellers & Authors
– Curated sessions by Iron Dog Books
– Children’s Storytellers: Kung Jaadee & Les George
– Musqueam Elder Larry Grant: Book launch & talk

Workshops (Free & Hands-On)
– Slahal/Bone Games
– Cedar Weaving
– Healing Salves & Cedar Bracelets
– Skateboarding lessons with Nation Skate Youth

Artisan Market & Food Trucks
– Shop Indigenous-made jewelry, soaps, art, and hot sauces
– Taste Indigenous cuisine alongside local food trucks

Event Details

– Dates: September 20–21, 2025
– Daytime Programming: Free, open to all ages (non-ticketed)
– Finale Concert: Ticketed event featuring Northern Cree and Tia Wood
– Location: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC
– Accessibility: Family-friendly, free daytime events, accessible venue
– Website: cometowardthefire.com

Why Attend?

The festival’s name, ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl (selected by Musqueam Elder Larry Grant), translates to “Come Toward the Fire”in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓. It represents a movement of returning Indigenous voices to the centre, to the fire, and to the heart of the community.

This vibrant two-day celebration offers an opportunity for everyone to experience Indigenous brilliance through music, dance, film, food, art, and storytelling. It’s a space for connection, reflection, and celebration of Indigenous culture.

🔗 Discover more Indigenous culture festivals and community celebrations in Metro Vancouver at Vancouver Page – Discover Local Events.