June is National Indigenous History Month, where Canadians commemorate the heritage and diversity of Canada’s First Nations people, so why not go out or online to explore their rich tapestry and cultural contributions? Also, Father’s Day and the beginning of the summer solstice happen on the same day this year, June 20 – take Dad out to enjoy the summer weather!
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Summer Sojourn – Talking Stick Festival
June 1–July 1
The Talking Stick Festival hosted by Full Circle is hosting the Summer Sojourn, an online festival celebrating the achievements and perseverance of the Indigenious peoples. Events include audio dramas, storytelling, musical showcases, dance performances, theatre and multidisciplinary events. Visit their website for artist information and a complete list of events.
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Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours
Beginning June 1
The Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours restarted this month; peek beneath Vancouver’s sparkling surface to uncover a hidden history of dark crime, outrageous intrigue and filthy scandal. Roam the city with expert guides in these one-of-a-kind walking tours and hear the scintillating stories of Vancouver’s secret past. Themed walks include the Lost Souls of Gastown, the Really Gay History Tour and the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park Tour. For tickets and more information, please check out their website.
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Reflections of Alan Turing
June 9, 11:30 a.m.
www.eventbrite.ca/e/reflections-of-alan-turing-tickets-152682917717
British mathematician Alan Turing is a computer science pioneer whose contributions laid the foundation for theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. The National Archives of the United Kingdom will be hosting a discussion of Turing’s background, his discoveries and his life-story, in order to uncover a fresh legacy from Turing for the 21st century. To RSVP for the online presentation and discussion, check out the event’s page on Eventbrite.
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Nikkei Garden Farmers Market
June–October, Every second and fourth Saturday
Stroll through the booths of fresh and locally grown produce, deliciously prepared food, uniquely crafted by local makers, all while enjoying the Japanese garden and its seasonal beauty! The Nikkei Garden Farmers Market’s first day will be on June 13, and the market will be hosted on the second and fourth Sundays of each month through October. For more information, check out the Nikkei Cultural Centre’s website.
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Indian Summer Festival
June 17–July 17
The 11th edition of the Indian Summer Festival’s theme is ‘Shapeshifting.’ Shapeshifting is possibly what we need to save us – from the failure of our own structures, from the frightening politics of domination we see around the world and to transcend this moment. Who better to look to than artists, who are often consummate shapeshifters? This year’s festival features virtual concerts, literary conversations and short films featuring some of the most exciting creative minds, from Grammy Award and Booker Prize nominees to tomorrow’s stars. Check out the festival’s website for a complete list of events.
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National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21
www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013248/1534872397533
In Canada, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Due to the global pandemic, the day is celebrated primarily online with some events happening locally depending on the area. Check out the website for links to virtual activities, hosted by both local governments and the Indigenious peoples.
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Image Bank
June 18–Aug. 22
Image Bank, on display at the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery from June 18 to Aug. 22, explores the artistic collaboration of artists Michael Morris and Vincent Trasov with others, including their most spectacular works – extended performances with props, such as Colour Bar Research (1970–78) and Mr. Peanut’s mayoralty campaign (1974) – alongside their extensive mail-art exchanges with other networkers such as Robert Filliou, Ant Farm and Ray Johnson’s New York Correspondence School. The exhibition reflects on a period of optimism where artists envisioned a non-hierarchical alternative to the world of art galleries and museums, where images and ideas could be freely exchanged through the international postal system thereby creating an open-ended and decentralized method of networking that presages social media.
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National Indigenous History Month: Celebrating Living Indigenous Arts & Culture
June 17, 2–3 p.m.
Join Indigenous Tourism B.C. for an inspiring arts & culture workshop in celebration of National Indigenous History Month. Learn from Indigenous cultural ambassadors as they share their language, art and connection to the land in order to preserve the wealth of culture, from an Indigenous perspective. From Alert Bay to Klemtu, B.C., learn about the many ways you can help protect and contribute to the revitalization of Indigenous culture that keeps over 204 Indigenous communities and more than 30 Indigenous languages alive in British Columbia’s diverse and beautiful regions.
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Wings and Wizards
June to September
Wings and Wizards is an interactive exhibit that merges art, tech, storytelling and design to create a truly sublime magical adventure. Self-guided and touch-free, Wings and Wizards showcases the meeting point between technology and magic, making use of cutting-edge interactive technologies, such as motion tracking, proximity-based devices, lights, projections, props and soundscapes, to weave a truly spellbinding experience. For tickets and more information, please visit their website.
