Sumsháthut (Sun) Festival

The 2nd annual Sum?sháthut [Sun] Festival, A Feast of Indigenous Culture, Cuisine and Fashion marks the first event of Crimson Coast Dance Society’s 23rd presenting season.

This midwinter Solstice event celebrates the return of the sun and is curated and co-produced by Tsatassaya White, a member of Snuneymuxw and Hupacasath Nations. 

Indigenous people the world over celebrate the ever changing presence of the Sun. This event, at this particularly dark time, looks to the warmth of traditions that gather us to connect, to share stories, to celebrate each other, the light within and the light that is coming.

Everyone is welcome as Sum?sháthut gathers people from many nations. People close to home and those far from family or longhouse.

Sum?sháthut [Sun] Festival gathers us to experience and enjoy a multitude of cultural performances that highlight Salish Shxw’aluqwa’, Heshook-ish Tsawalk, Lekwungen Dancers, DJ GG, a fashion show by Ay Lelum-The Good House of Design with special dance by Nanaimo Contemporary Ballet, Compaigni V’ni Dansi Métis Dance Group, and Tsatassaya White’s film huulth huulth 2020.

We will hear good words and teachings and have an opportunity to do holiday shopping at The Trading Post Market Place. The Market vendors will be Doeleena Seward, Melanie Bob, Ay Lelum, Adriene Atleo, Marge Robinson, Melvin Good Jr, Darrell Thorne, Dave Bodaly, Nadine McGee, Kookum’s House, Eva Dick, Donna Edna Cranmer and Wasaskwun Winston Wuttunee. These generous artists have each donated door prizes that you just may win and take home with you!

Feasting is a very important part of Indigenous cultural gatherings. The evening cuisine, available by plate, features a salmon plate and hearty deer stew and bannock by Chef Amanda Seward.

This 2021 winter the Sun announces its return and we celebrate being together – in the light - once more. Join us as we ‘gather’ and with appropriate safety precautions.

With Gratitude to our Sponsors and Supporters: Nanaimo Hospitality Association, City of Nanaimo, BC Arts Council, Heritage Canada, Canada Council for the Arts. Everyone is welcome as Sum̓sháthut gathers people from many nations. People close to home and those far from family or longhouse. Feasting is a very important part of the culture. Participants will experience an evening to savour with the extraordinary talent of this line up of Indigenous artists, athletes, singers, fashion designers and story tellers.

This 2021 winter the Sun announces its return and we celebrate being together – in the light – once more. Join us as we gather with appropriate safety precautions.

Sponsors: Nanaimo Hospitality Association, City of Nanaimo, BC Arts Council, Heritage Canada, Canada Council for the Arts.