ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl Come Toward the Fire Festival

The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, in proud partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band, is set to present the fourth annual ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl Come Toward the Fire, an immersive Indigenous-led arts and culture festival taking place on September 20 and 21, 2025, at the University of British Columbia. Set on the unceded ancestral territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Musqueam people, this powerful two-day celebration brings Indigenous voices, stories, and art to the forefront, all in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

What started as a single-day event has now grown into a full weekend of dynamic, multidisciplinary programming, with performances and activations taking place throughout the Chan Centre’s indoor and outdoor spaces. From live music and film to hands-on workshops and artisan markets, this year’s expanded lineup promises an unforgettable showcase of Indigenous excellence.

A Gathering of Voices, Stories, and Artistic Brilliance

“In hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl translates to ‘Come Toward the Fire’,” explains Jarrett Martineau, Head Curator at the Chan Centre. “It suggests a movement of returning Indigenous voices to the centre — to the fire, to the heart of our communities. It’s about reclaiming space, celebrating culture, and inviting others to witness the strength, beauty, and brilliance of Indigenous artists.”

At its core, ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl is more than a festival — it’s a vibrant gathering, a communal space of cultural resurgence and artistic empowerment. As Martineau notes, “We welcome everyone to join us and experience firsthand the power and artistry of these incredible Indigenous artists across multiple disciplines.”

Star-Studded Musical Lineup and Unmissable Performances

The 2025 festival culminates with a ticketed Sunday evening concert featuring a high-energy performance from the nine-time Grammy Award-nominated powwow group Northern Cree, renowned for their thunderous vocals and ceremonial power. Joining them is Tia Wood, the Juno-nominated Cree and Salish pop artist whose unique blend of pop, soul, and traditional influences has captivated audiences across North America.

“I’m thrilled to be sharing the stage with family and to be back for this incredible festival,” says Tia Wood. “We’ll be sharing a mix of my favourite songs and some sounds from my latest project; which is soulful, raw and a bit dreamy of course.”

The music doesn’t stop there. Throughout the weekend, festival-goers can enjoy performances by:

• Samantha Crain, Choctaw singer-songwriter and Indigenous Music Award-winner
• Ombiigizi, a Polaris Music Prize finalist known for their explosive alt-rock sound
• Wyatt C. Louis, a 2025 Polaris nominee whose heartfelt songwriting has earned critical acclaim
• Willie Thrasher and Linda Saddleback, Inuvialuit musical icons
• Mali Obomsawin, Odanak composer blending jazz, folk, and Indigenous tradition

Traditional dance troupes Git Hayetsk and Coastal Wolf Pack will bring powerful movement and ceremony to the stage, while HOTLATCH, an Indigenous DJ collective, will deliver contemporary beats across the festival grounds.

Stories on Screen: Indigenous Cinema Takes the Spotlight

Film lovers are in for a treat with an exceptional lineup of Indigenous cinema. The festival features screenings curated in partnership with the imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival, North America’s largest Indigenous film showcase. Among the most anticipated is the Oscar-nominated documentary Sugarcane, a haunting and poignant work exploring the legacy of residential schools.

Also premiering is The Road to Hasalala Danxalax, a concert documentary chronicling acclaimed mezzo-soprano Marion Newman — of Kwagiulth and Stó:lō heritage — and her groundbreaking performance during her time as a Chan Centre Guest Curator. This world premiere brings together music, storytelling, and cultural reclamation in a uniquely moving way.

More Than a Festival: A Community Experience

Beyond the stages and screens, ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl is also a community gathering and cultural marketplace. Festival-goers can explore:

• A vibrant Indigenous market featuring local artisans, jewelry makers, and creators
• Delicious offerings from Indigenous-owned food trucks
• Literary programming and children’s storytelling, curated by Iron Dog Books
• Educational and cultural booths from organizations including the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, Museum of Anthropology, and Native Education College

Vendors will include beloved names like Up the River Baking, Sweetgrass Soap, Amanda Ruth Beads, Massy Books, Cedar Hot Sauce, Buffalo Starwoman Creations, Shimmer by Shakota, The Ivory Kraken Company, BEADS by Hooty Ann, and MothLatte, offering attendees a unique opportunity to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and take home a piece of the experience.

A Cultural Beacon in Vancouver

Since its opening in 1997, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts has stood as one of Canada’s premier performing arts venues. Located at the heart of UBC’s campus, the Chan Centre has been internationally recognized for its breathtaking architecture, world-class acoustics, and inclusive, globally connected programming.

With events like ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl, the Chan Centre continues to expand its legacy — championing Indigenous voices, fostering creative exchange, and building community through art and cultural celebration.

Whether you’re looking to experience stirring music, groundbreaking film, or a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, reconciliation, and Indigenous resurgence, ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl Come Toward the Fire is not to be missed.