The first Okanagan Indigenous Music and Arts Festival is coming to the Annette Beaudreau Amphitheatre in West 91大黄鸭 on July 6 and 7 to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Indigenous culture in the Okanagan.

鈥淥ur festival will showcase our artists in a way that does not currently exist in Interior British Columbia,鈥� Okanagan Indigenous Music & Arts Society president Jenny Money said.

鈥淚t encourages a welcoming, understanding and appreciative environment in the true spirit of reconciliation,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e created cultural access, especially for those who are disenfranchised.鈥�

Guests will be entertained with live music, dance performances and comedy acts. A variety of workshops will also be open for registration including songwriting, traditional plant foraging and craft workshops teaching hand drum and rattle making.

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鈥淲e saw a definite need within the community as far as supporting tourism and Indigenous tourism,鈥� Money said.

The Indigenous music and arts festival also aims to create a safe space for performers, while establishing representation for youth in the 鈥渃ontemporary arena,鈥� Money explained.

鈥淭he festival is all about elevating our artists,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 not a lot of platforms where they are celebrated.鈥�

With over 15 vendors from across the country already scheduled to sell their artisan goods and crafts, a variety of culinary choices and an on-site activity tent providing fun and educational activities for children, the festival will have something for everyone.

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Money said she is most excited to see a real blend of community members celebrating together.

鈥淕athering the community together in celebration; to me, that鈥檚 the aspect that is lacking in our community,鈥� she said, noting there are a lot of celebrations in the area, but few are aimed at such a wide and diverse crowd.

Single-day and weekend passes are available for purchase, including some limited VIP passes that get visitors backstage and closer to the action. on July 6 and 7.

Caitlin.clow@kelownacapnews.com
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