The name for the festival ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl was selected by Musqueam elder and language keeper Larry Grant with special thanks to Musqueam artist Christie Lee Charles for suggesting the phrase. Please refer to the audio hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ pronunciation guide provided by Musqueam elder Larry Grant. 

​In hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl translates to “Come Toward the Fire”. It suggests a movement of returning Indigenous voices to the forefront —and bringing them back to the centre, the fire, the heart of the community, following a generation of removal due to residential schools. 

ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl is a festival celebration of Indigenous culture and community presented by the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) — on whose territory the Chan Centre and UBC are located. The 2023 festival will be hosted by Musqueam’s Miss Christie Lee, and will feature Indigenous artists, singers, speakers and dancers, woven throughout the programming. 

The festival is a family-friendly accessible gathering that also features musical performances by Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island (North America), film screenings, dance groups, workshops, artist discussions, an Indigenous artisan market, and food vendors. All festival events are FREE for Indigenous community members.

Our aim is to amplify Indigenous voices and to create a vibrant space to celebrate Indigenous creativity, brilliance, and culture. All members of the general public are welcome to join in the festivities.

Elders, youth, and community leaders will be invited to share stories and songs; and space will be made available for Indigenous community members to remember relatives, family members, and loved ones impacted by Indian Residential Schools.