In this Indigenous Speakers Series session, we will bear witness to a meaningful conversation between Derek Thompson and Maï Yasué, Associate Director of the REDI Office, about Derek’s mom, Maude Thompson. Maude was originally scheduled to be the guest speaker, but she sadly passed away a month before the event. A Haisla First Nations woman and Survivor of the Indian residential school system, Maude was a thoughtful, generous and loving human being —a Mom, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Auntie, Sister, and Daughter—who persevered in the face of incredible hardships. For nearly 40 years, Maude served as a cook for the Tsow-tun Le Lum Society – Substance Use and Trauma Treatment Centre providing nourishment, love, support, care, and inspiration to thousands of First Nations and Indigenous people.

Date: April 23, 2025
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm

The WISH Drop In Centre is currently recruiting new Directors to join its Board. WISH is a not-for-profit located in the downtown eastside of Vancouver, BC with a mission to improve the health, safety and well-being of cis and trans women, and Two Spirit and non-binary folks who are involved in Vancouver’s street based sex trade. Poverty, trauma, violence, stigma, and a lack of access to housing, support and opportunities make this population particularly vulnerable. Eight out of ten WISH participants are unhoused, half of them are Indigenous. All live in poverty. Despite the incredible challenges they face, sex workers in the WISH community are resilient, intelligent and strong.  

We are seeking individuals passionate about utilizing their skills and expertise to make a difference. Particular skills of interest are non-profit governance, human resources or employment related law, and government relations and advocacy knowledge. The time commitment we ask is 5 to 10 hours a month.

Vancouver Public Library is honoured to introduce Chris Bose as the 2025 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence. Chris Bose is a writer, musician and multi-disciplinary artist hailing from Kamloops, B.C. A member of the Nlaka’pamux and Secwepemc Nations, Chris has been a professional storyteller for almost 30 years. As the Indigenous Storyteller in Residence this year, Chris is planning on taking his music and storytelling on the road to various VPL branches.

April 24: Carnegie Branch & nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch
May 15: Joe Fortes Branch & Kitsilano Branch 

This month, explore the artistry of Coast Salish weaving with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh wool weaver and knowledge keeper Spelex̱ílh–Anjeanette Dawson. In this interactive workshop, participants will connect with local Indigenous history and teachings by weaving a quarter bag using contemporary wool and cardboard looms.

Date: April 27, 2025
Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: MOA, 6393 NW Marine Drive

Join us for the Vancouver launch for Leanne Betasamosake Simpson's new book Theory of Water at St James Community Square. Leanne will appear in conversation with Billy-Ray Belcourt. Acclaimed Nishnaabeg writer Leanne Betasamosake Simpson takes a revolutionary look at that most elemental force, water, and suggests a powerful path for the future.

Date: April 28, 2025
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: St James Community Square, 3214 W 10th Ave

UBC Connects at Robson Square welcomes Indigenous leaders from Canada, Mexico, and the United States for inspiring conversations on forest stewardship and climate action. Over two days of engaging discussions and thought-provoking presentations, Indigenous leaders from throughout North America will share their deeply-rooted and innovative strategies on forest stewardship that both strengthen community resilience and drive global sustainability.

Date: April 28 & 29, 2025
Location: Robson Square Theatre & Faculty of Forestry

Join anti-racism facilitator Rose LeMay for the launch of her new practical guide to allyship, Ally Is a Verb. What can you do to be a better ally for your Indigenous colleagues, community members, and friends? By actively listening to the history and current lived experiences of Indigenous peoples, you can take steps to address the inequities they continue to face. Author Rose LeMay notes that if you continually educate yourself, you will see many opportunities to be an ally.

Date: May 1, 2025
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Native Education College, 285 East 5th Ave

Enjoy free museum admission (starting at 6 pm) for the opening night of VALUE: Rebecca Belmore at the Museum of Anthropology. Join MOA for a solo exhibition of internationally-lauded contemporary Indigenous artist Rebecca Belmore. VALUE offers an examination of four important works from the Anishinaabe artist’s four-decade career, which embody Belmore’s persistent critique of the ongoing condition of colonialism. The four works will be displayed in spaces throughout the Museum.

Date: May 15, 2025
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Museum of Anthropology, 6393 NW Marine Drive

A huge milestone was made for the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) last week as they signed a new reconciliation agreement with the Government of Canada. The newly signed document sets out a process for future discussions and negotiations on topics of shared interest both with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Canada, a federal government news release stated.