Northern B.C. Indigenous Arts Symposium coming to Prince George

The first annual Northern B.C. Indigenous Arts Symposium is coming to Prince George.

The symposium, to be held on April 27, is designed to be a day of gathering, celebration, exhibition, and sharing of knowledge for Indigenous artists from throughout north central B.C.

It will bring together Indigenous artists, performers, knowledge keepers, elders, and educators, and will be held at the Uda Dune Baiyoh House of Ancestors Community Centre and Omineca Arts Centre.

“Since its founding one year ago, the artists who comprise the Northern Indigenous Artists’ Collective (NAIC) have been busy working on a number of initiatives in support of Indigenous artists throughout this part of the province,” says Chairperson Diane Levesque in a news release.

“This day-long symposium and gala will bring together artists in a very unique way, by providing educational and networking opportunities, as well as a celebration of the incredible work our members do in support of communities throughout the region.”

The events include opening ceremonies, exhibitions, panel discussions, and workshops.

A catered lunch featuring Indigenous cuisine will be provided, as well as dinner at the annual Ying'hentzit First Nations Art Gala in the evening.

Local artists community leaders will be leading sessions throughout the day, including Marcel Gagnon, Darin Corbiere, Keith Kerrigan, Vince Prince, Dr. Si Transken, and Crystal Kennedy and many others.

All events, meals and workshop materials are provided for $25 per participant and tickets are available at Eventbrite.com (search Northern Indigenous Artists).

This symposium is hosted by NIAC, the Community Arts Council of Prince George and District, and Carrier Sekani Family Services.