Opening Ceremony

OPENING CEREMONY


Thursday, March 30th, 2023
6:30 PM Reception, 7:00 PM Ceremony PT (UTC -7)

Welcome by Brianna Bear

Screening of 17-min. documentary film Slhálí (Woman) 
followed by comments by Saylesh Wesley & Á’a:líya Warbus

First Peoples House & Online
University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
lək̓ʷəŋən territory 

All conference registrations include access to the Opening Ceremony. 


Á’a:líya Warbus

Á’a:líya Warbus is Stó:lō with roots in the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sema: th, Sq’éwlets and Sts’ailes First Nations. She has worked in the unceded territories of the Coast Salish as an artist and activist for the past 18 years. She is currently focussed on writing, directing and being a mom to her three young children.


Saylesh Wesley

Saylesh Wesley (m2f / she / her) is a two-spirit educator and Knowledge Keeper who is of Stó:lō and Tsimshian decent. Currently she works as an Indigenous Enhancement Education Teacher for the Chilliwack School District and also continues to present at a wide variety of events as it relates to her two-spirit and indigenous teachings. Saylesh is Á’a:líya's first cousin.


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