Abbotsford to celebrate Indigenous culture

  • 2025-05-27
The Selxwi:chel Arts & Culture Day will be taking place in Abbotsford this June, highlighting the cultural traditions of local Indigenous groups.

The Day is described as a skills transmission event, with instructive workshops and seminars on Indigenous arts and crafts. Teachers and performers will come from Indigenous groups in southern British Columbia, with inspiration from other First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultures. Workshops include cedar cuff weaving by Leonard Tiger Williams, drum making led by Darren Charlie, and hair braiding by Ashley. There will also be family-friendly activities such as face painting and storytelling featuring oral narratives new and old.

The Culture Day will feature a marketplace full of arts and crafts from independent Indigenous creators, such as Sade Makerra Auger’s Hawk Lace Jewelry and Chantelle Trainor-Matties. Vendors at cultural markets like this often hand out gift items or Business Cards to help reach a wider audience. The festival will also feature refreshment from the Winderz Food Truck and performers such as Coast Salish poet Sarah and jigging group Chilliwack Niimiyitoohk. Organizers describe the event as a way to highlight local creators:

“This year, we're proud to welcome many talented artisans and vendors to our skills transmission event, offering a unique opportunity to experience and support local Indigenous artists.”

The 2025 Selxwi:chel Arts & Culture Day will occur on June 8 at Trethewey House Heritage Site in Abbotsford. Attendance will be free, with pre-registration required for some workshops.
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