From February 17 to March 1, Western Canada’s leading Indigenous arts festival marks its 14th anniversary in Vancouver. The Talking Stick Festival showcases a wide spectrum of Indigenous creativity—visual art, dance, theatre, drumming, music, multimedia and spoken word—celebrating the cultural contributions and contemporary artistic voices of Aboriginal peoples. The festival’s name honors the traditional “talking stick,” a symbol of responsibility and respect among many Indigenous communities; whoever holds it speaks with honesty while others listen attentively.
Presented by Full Circle | First Nations Performance, this edition of the festival uses the theme “Coming to the Fire.” Alongside workshops, arts programming and cultural experiences, the schedule features both national and international artists. Highlights include Generations (Feb. 26), acclaimed throat singer Tanya Tagaq (Feb. 28) and singer-songwriter Leela Gilday (Feb. 28). The festival will also host an evening of slam poetry dedicated to the late spoken-word artist Zaccheus Jackson.
Dance and theatre offerings are presented in collaboration with The Roundhouse Community Centre. Programming includes a range of performances from contemporary dance pieces to dramatic works—among them the comedic play Salt Baby, written by Falen Johnson and directed by Yvette Nolan. The festival’s mix of established and emerging artists, along with community-driven workshops, provides opportunities to engage with living Indigenous traditions and innovative new forms.
The Talking Stick Festival creates space for both celebration and dialogue: public performances sit alongside intimate gatherings, panels and hands-on sessions that invite audiences to learn about technique, history and cultural context. Workshops often cover traditional practices, contemporary adaptations and the creative processes behind the work, while artist talks and discussions address themes such as identity, resilience and cultural resurgence.
Because the festival brings together diverse disciplines, attendees can expect immersive, multi-sensory experiences—from powerful vocal and instrumental performances to visually striking installations and collaborative projects that merge film, sound and live action. Programming emphasizes authenticity and artistic excellence, foregrounding Indigenous leadership in curating and presenting work.
In addition to scheduled performances, the festival nurtures emerging talent through mentorships, residencies and community partnerships. These initiatives aim to expand opportunities for Indigenous artists and to strengthen cultural networks across the region. By connecting artists, elders and audiences, the festival fosters intergenerational dialogue and supports the transmission of cultural knowledge.
The Talking Stick Festival remains an important cultural event in Vancouver’s arts calendar. Its commitment to ethical presentation, community engagement and artistic innovation ensures that each year’s program offers fresh perspectives while honoring longstanding traditions. Whether attending a major concert, a small workshop or a community celebration, visitors will encounter powerful storytelling, bold creativity and a spirit of welcome that reflects the festival’s core values.