A local non-profit Indigenous organization that provides support for members who survived residential schools and the 60s Scoop is hosting its inaugural winter festival.
The Indigenous Winter Festival is set for Nov. 25 at the Florence Filberg Centre from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to the entire community with a variety of event and special guests, explains Sarah-Jeanne Lewis of the Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society.
The society is a non-profit and host a variety of activities within the Comox Valley throughout the year, including Overdose Awareness Day and Truth and Reconciliation Day at Simms Park.
They also do outreach work and harm reduction with Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the community, naloxone training, healing circles and more.
“While we are a non-profit, events do cost money so we’re hosting this event to raise some funds (for the society) and we’re hoping to do it every year,” notes Lewis.
Some of the highlights of the day include Battle of the Bannock and a performance from Vancouver Island hip-hop artist Sirreal.
Lewis adds there will also be a silent auction, Elder storytelling, Indigenous vendors and a halibut lunch.
Tickets are $25 for the day, and are available at the door, online via a link on their Facebook page or at the Driftwood Mall on Nov. 18 between noon and 3 p.m.
Tickets for entry and lunch are $50.
For more information, email Indigenouswomenssharingsociety@gmail.com.