Thursday October 30

Schools
COMPAIGNI V’NI DANSI
Thursday October 30
11am Admiral Seymour Elementary School, 1130 Keefer
1:30pm Lord Strathcona Elementary School, 592 E. Pender
The Festival is thrilled to be able to present Compaigni V’ni Dansi to the students and staff of our two local schools. Compaigni V’ni Dansi holds the distinction of being the only Canadian company to teach and to perform both traditional Métis and contemporary dance. Established by Yvonne Chartrand in 2001, this professional dance ensemble has extensive training in traditional Métis dance, a unique blend of European reels and waltzes with dances of Aboriginal heritage – creating one of the most intricate and difficult of any Aboriginal peoples’ dances. Traditional Métis jigging is highly celebratory and reflects the festive and social nature of the Métis people.

Please note: these school performances are for students, parents and teachers only.

Compaigni V'ni Dansi 2


tony hoareCommunity
A STORY TO TELL
Thursday October 30, 5pm – 8pm
UBC Learning Exchange, 612 Main
Following up on the Portraits of Strength exhibition, community members are invited to talk about a challenging experience beyond their own control and how they got through it. Portraits of Strength photographer Tony Hoare shares stories from his work overseas, and helps participants share their stories in photos and video. Participants can choose to have their story filmed. Free.


Video
2nd STORY: Blood Alley
Thursday October 30, 5:30pm – 8pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings
2nd Story maps personal stories onto local places using various media, including video and mobile technology. For this edition, personal stories from the area known as ‘Blood Alley’ in the Downtown Eastside have been gathered and documented. The area has been chosen for its long history and as a microcosmic example of a neighborhood in transition: a Single Room Occupancy hotel and shelter stands across the alley from a new condo development with boutiques and restaurants. Over sixty stories were documented, and nine of those were crafted into short videos by a team of film and theatre artists. For this screening a selection of stories and adapted videos will be shown, with storytellers and artists in attendance. More stories are sure to be exchanged! Presented by The Only Animal, in development with PHS Community Services and SFU Office of Community Engagement.

Everyone welcome. Free.


Celebration
LOUIS RIEL’S 170th BIRTHDAY PARTY
Thursday October 30, 7pm – 9pm
Floral & Hardy Edible Plants, 688 E. Hastings

Floral & Hardy Edible PlantsThe newest and hippest flower shop ‘slash’ gallery in the Downtown Eastside opens their doors to celebrate what would have been Louis Riel’s 170th birthday. A controversial Canadian hero, Riel was founder of the province of Manitoba, a political leader of the Métis people of the Canadian prairies, and fierce advocate for Métis rights and self-determination. Forced into exile in 1870, Riel was elected a Member of Parliament three times, and upon his return to Canada he was arrested, tried and executed. Join guest drummers Harmony of Nations, master of ceremony Bill Beauregarde, dancer Yvonne Chartrand and fiddler Kathleen Nisbet to share music, stories and history of Louis Riel and the Métis people of Canada.

Coffee and dessert by donation.


Multimedia Performance & Exhibition
INDIANS & COWBOYS
Opening: Thursday October 30, 7pm
Chapel Arts, 304 Dunlevy
Thursday evenings until November 27
Chapel Arts presents a month-long project of Indian & Cowboy Art with music and DJs; Aboriginal hip hop, cowboy bands; carvings and paintings; and Jeff Burnette’s Blown Glass RayGuns and Urban East Youth Totem Competition! DTES native youth will compete for the design and established mentors will help realize the carved totem. The log is provided by Chapel Arts and will be put up for auction. Proceeds to be divided among the participants.

Runs Thursdays in November and by appointment; contact www.chapelarts.com. Entrance by donation.


Theatre
THE RAYMUR MOTHERS They Wouldn’t Take No For An Answer
Opening Thursday October 30, 8pm
Russian Hall, 600 Campbell
See Wednesday October 29 for full description and ticket information.