Cultural Requests
Our Language & Culture team works with Elders, fluent speakers, drummers, singers, and Knowledge Holders to help organizations respectfully incorporate Syilx language and culture into meetings, events, ceremonies, schools, and community gatherings.
We can assist with:
Opening Prayers and Blessings
Welcome and Opening Songs
Land Acknowledgements
Cultural Teachings and Traditional Activities
School Presentations
Elder Participation and Storytelling
Workshops and Community Events
Before submitting your request, we encourage you to review our Protocols & Guidelines for Respectful Engagement with Knowledge Holders. This resource outlines cultural protocols, gift giving, honoraria, etiquette, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Please complete our Cultural Request Form to submit your request.
F.A.Q.
By completing our Cultural Request Form found under the Our Services section of this webpage.
A traditional welcome is recommended for events and activities taking place on Syilx territory as a way of acknowledging the land and showing respect for Syilx culture, traditions, and protocols. It is a meaningful way to begin a gathering and honour the territory on which the event is being held.
A minimum of 48 hours notice is required for all cultural requests. However, we strongly recommend submitting your request at least one week in advance to help ensure availability.
Yes, please review our Cultural Request form for the most updates honoraria rates.
Opening prayers, blessings, and land acknowledgements generally take 3–5 minutes, depending on the Elder or fluent speaker.
A gift is not required, but it is always appreciated as a gesture of gratitude and respect. For guidance on culturally appropriate gift giving, please refer to our Protocols & Guidelines for Respectful Engagement with Knowledge Holders. Please note that a gift is not can not be used in lieu of an honorarium.
Yes, absolutely! We welcome requests from schools, governments, businesses, community organizations, and other groups wishing to respectfully incorporate Syilx language and culture into their events or activities.
Additional information is available in our Protocols & Guidelines for Respectful Engagement with Knowledge Holders, located under the Our Services section of this webpage.