All Nations Gathering 2025 | Gallery
3rd Annual All Nations Gathering at Killarney Community Centre 🧡
Over 200 participants joined us for All Nations Gathering: Healing Medicines organized by South Vancouver Neighbourhood House and KCC.
🧡 Indigenous Knowledge Carrier Travis Angus initiated event with a Down Feather Ceremony and a Call to Shore outdoors to welcome guests. Indigenous Knowledge Carrier Lorelei Hawkins offered a welcome prayer and introduced Mimi, SVNH’s ED and representative, and Patti, representative from Killarney as the host organizations.
🌿 Medicine Bags
After introductions, Indigenous Knowledge Carrier Al Houston commenced the program with an introduction of the medicine bag. He explained in depth the herbs in the bags, the protocols of receiving the bags and how to best use the medicine. Medicine bags were created by hand and given to each participant in attendance as Travis sang the Coast Salish anthem. Indigenous Knowledge Carrier Claire shared and taught about the contents of the medicine pouch as participants learned about the medicines used in healing and smudging,
🥁 Presentations
The Nisyok Boys introduced the drum drill and participants were invited to awaken their drums through the drum drill. The drums rang through the gym and resonated throughout the community centre. The Nisga Ts'amiks Group then presented their dance as participants observed. One of the group members then awed the audience with their solo hoop dance and was a huge highlight of the gathering.
🐟 Closing & Lunch
Al Houston introduced and explained the significance and meaning before the offering of the Spirit Plate: a symbol to remember and honour those before us, and as gratitude for food, community and natural world. Chris closes the gathering through song of “Blessing the Food”. Participants then gathered in the food hall for a delicious meal of Indigenous salmon and rice.
Thank you for all those that have gathered and took the opportunity to learn about Indigenous history, culture and practices with us. We hope to see you all again next year and continue this journey towards decolonization as we deepen our understanding of Indigenizing our world views.
