The Burnaby Festival of Learning begins on May 7, marking its sixth year in operation. Facilitated by Simon Fraser University and The City of Burnaby, the five-day festival is a celebration of the diverse Burnaby community. The goal of the festival this year is community-building within Burnaby through learning opportunities on-the-ground, even if that ‘ground’ is virtual. The events this year are many, and extremely varied.
(@FestivalLearn / Twitter)
There are a handful of online sessions you can attend that amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives. Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee is delivering a virtual, one-hour introduction to decolonization of one’s own relationship to the land and community on May 10 at 11 AM.
The Burnaby Public Library is virtually hosting an Indigenous Voice speaker series, where attendees have the opportunity to learn basic weaving techniques (BYOY: bring your own yarn) all while learning about Coast Salish culture and the realities of reconciliation.
BCIT is even a part of the virtual action, hosting several online workshops. You can learn about 3D printing, laser cutting, and living a zero-waste lifestyle in your home.
If you’re looking for something outdoorsy, the Burnaby Soundwalk has you covered. On May 9 between noon and 5 o’clock PM, you can follow a planned walking route in Deer Lake Park for a safe, active and sonic experience. There will be physical markers to help you find your way on this Soundwalk, and a map will be made available online.
(Wootcrisp / Pixabay)
Or if you want to take in some visual art, the Many Nations Mini-Galleries will be set up outside the South Burnaby Neighbourhood House. These mini-galleries will house works from several Burnaby artists of diverse backgrounds.
Finally, if you feel like getting your virtual film festival on, the DOXA Documentary Film Festival brings you streaming access to Tell Them We Were Here (dir. Keelan Williams and Griff Williams) for the five-day duration. Tell Them We Were Here is a 2020 documentary about notable Bay Area artists who have dedicated their craft and their lives to social activism and addressing inequality in their backyards.
Tickets are free, and they are per-event. For a program of all events in this year’s Festival of Learning, click here. Maybe I’ll see you on the Soundwalk!