Amplifying the Festival Experience with Indigenous Culture, Tradition and Talent

Jazz has always been a dynamic genre that unites people from all backgrounds. The Festival exemplifies this spirit, preserving the jazz legacy by providing an accessible, inclusive, and enriching experience for every artist, performer and attendee.

One of the ways we accomplish this mission is by ensuring we have integrated Indigenous culture, tradition and talent into our Festival.

“The commitment demonstrated by the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival to integrate Indigenous voices and contributions into the festival's main stage aligns perfectly with our collective vision of promoting reconciliation and cultural inclusivity,” says Dennis (TsaTsomTun) Leon, member of the Kwantlen community, serving as a cultural teacher and the Keeper of Songs.

Through the years, the Festival has amplified Indigenous voices through initiatives like the Indigenous Art & Culture Exhibit (2022-2023), the Art Mural Project (2022), the Indigenous Jazz Fusion Concert (2021), and by continually showcasing and collaborating with Indigenous artists and performers who have enriched the Festival with incredible music, demonstrations and workshops. Kwantlen First Nation has been a major contributor to the Festival since our inaugural event in 2018, invigorating Festival spaces with unique learning opportunities.

This year, the Festival will cultivate Indigenous presence through performances including talented performers including 14-year old blues artist from Nanaimo, James Vickers, and art and cultural workshops such as an Eagle Dance demonstration, First Nations Flute workshop and Indigenous storytelling through singing.

“Building upon the success of the Indigenous Art & Culture Exhibit over the past two years, we are excited to move forward with a revitalized initiative based on invaluable feedback from Indigenous artists and communities,” says the Festival’s Executive Director and Co-Founder, Karen Zukas. “Indigenous voices have expressed a desire for deeper integration, and this is supported by a recent survey by Festival attendees, which indicated Indigenous workshops and demonstrations as their first choice out of the abundance of interactive activities offered throughout the Festival.”

We believe that incorporating Indigenous activities into the Festival will not only deepen the overall experience but play a crucial role in our continued efforts towards reconciliation by fostering dialogue, understanding and respect for Indigenous voices and perspectives.

“By expanding Indigenous activities at this year’s Festival to include diverse workshops, demonstrations, and performances, the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is fostering greater understanding, appreciation, and celebration of Indigenous culture among thousands of festival attendees,” says Dennis.

Indigenous Performers at the Rising Spirit Stage

The Rising Spirit Stage is the perfect place to absorb the incredible talent of Indigenous performers and young artists.

Check out the lineup of Indigenous performers below.

Saturday, July 27

Norine Braun

1 - 1:30pm
With an impressive 14 albums, Norine has a lot to share with her powerful music. Explore topics like identity, heritage, and the universal journey of self-discovery.

Hayley Wallis

2:15 - 3pm
Hailing from the Kitasoo/Xais'xais Nation on the isolated island of Klemtu in the Great Bear Rainforest, Hayley [@hayleycwallis] is committed to storytelling and positive impact! She has been featured on SiriusXM, made top placements in CBC's search spotlight, and her song "Coffee Cup'' was #1 on NCI's Indigenous Music Countdown.

Sunday, July 28

James Vickers Band

1:15 - 1:45pm
James' Indigenous heritage brings a unique perspective to this 14-year-old blues prodigy's music. James Vickers has been a musical force on the blues scene since 2020, opening for renowned artists, playing at festivals, and competing in major competitions.

Pat Calihou

Métis Performing Artist

2:30 - 3:00 pm

Pat is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist specializing in slide guitar performing Métis blues. While known for his wood carving abilities, this day he will be carving Matis Blues on his guitar.

Demonstrations and Workshops at the Indigenous Art & Culture Tent

Come down to the Indigenous Art & Culture Tent on Mary Street (between Glover and Church) and gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous traditions and culture through interactive demonstrations and workshops!

“Having led workshops and Pow Wow singing and dancing performances at the 2023 festival and continuing to be involved in this year's Indigenous activities, I have witnessed firsthand the positive outcomes and transformative experiences that these events bring to our communities,” says Arne (Lek’hoosh) Leon, cultural, spiritual and educational advisor and leader from the Sts’aillers Nation, Upper Fraser Valley.

Check out the demonstration and workshop schedule below.

Saturday, July 27

The Heartbeat of Indigenous Culture with Dennis (TsaTsomTun) Leon

12 - 1 pm

Learn about the rich musical heritage of the Kwantlen First Nation from a master storyteller through story and song. Dennis is both a well-respected member of the Kwantlen community and a keeper of songs.

Métis Wood Paddle Carving and Painting with Pat Calihou

2 - 3pm

Join renowned Métis artist and carver, Pat Calihou for a hands-on demonstration of wood paddle carving and painting, and learn about Métis cultural art forms and techniques!

Sunday, July 28

First Nations Flute with Arnie (Lek’hoosh) Leon

12 - 1pm
Explore the rich traditions and spiritual significance of the sacred flute with Arnie, a member of the Sts’aillers Nation from the Upper Fraser Valley. The Indigenous flute is believed to communicate with the spirit realm, animals and the elements.

The Eagle Dance with Arnie (Lek’hoosh) Leon

2 - 3pm
This immersive workshop will give participants an understanding of the spiritual significance of the Eagle Dance, guiding attendees through the dance’s symbolic meanings and the eagle’s role as a messenger to the creator.

“I believe that the integration of Indigenous activities into the festival program enhances the overall experience and also moves us further along the path of reconciliation, “ says Dennis. “Initiatives like these are important in honoring and commemorating Indigenous heritage and creating mutual understanding and respect within our communities.

Learn more about the Rising Spirit Stage and our free lineup of performers and activities here.

Learn more about the Indigenous workshops here.

Fort Langley Jazz & Arts FestivalJuly 4, 2024