Celebrating Indigenous Arts & Culture on Beautiful ĆUÁN (ču?én)
Salt Spring Island, BC
Empowering Voices, Enriching Heritage
At SAMS, we believe in making the circle bigger. For us, culture is not merely entertainment; it is the vital way we express our uniqueness in the world. We recognize that arts and culture save lives, they are the sacred threads that weave our generations together, stretching seven back and seven forward. By anchoring Indigenous identity on Salt Spring Island, we ensure that the wisdom of our ancestors meets the voices of our youth, creating a permanent home for all our relations.
With respect and gratitude, I acknowledge that I live and create on the unceded, traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Hul’q’umi’num’ and SENĆOŦEN-speaking peoples. In particular, I honour the Penelakut, Cowichan, Halalt, Lyackson, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, whose ancestors have cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial"
It takes a whole community to weave the threads of the future.”SAMS is a movement to ensure Indigenous culture thrives on Salt Spring Island for the next seven generations. Help us make the circle bigger.
- The Youth Empowerment Fund: Providing materials and mentorship for our youth members.
- A Permanent Cultural Home: We do not currently have a place to call home. Your help secures a future gallery, performance hall, and gathering space.
- Cultural Exchange: Supporting workshops that bridge our traditions with the wider community, because arts and culture save lives
The Sweetgrass Arts and Music Society (SAMS) We promote and preserve Indigenous arts on Salt Spring Island. By providing a platform for artists and musicians to share their stories, we foster a deeper understanding of our heritage. We aim to create a safe, welcoming space that encourages new ideas and a stronger, inclusive community. Look for upcoming events on Facebook under: Salt Spring Music Events.
Services
Community Outreach
We engage with local communities to promote cultural heritage and provide support for indigenous artists through various programs and initiatives.
Cultural Workshops
Our workshops provide immersive experiences where participants can learn about indigenous crafts, music, and traditions directly from skilled artisans.
Art Exhibitions
We organize art exhibitions that highlight the creativity and talent of indigenous artists, bringing their work to a broader audience.
Gallery
Contact
- Salt Spring Island, 161 Cranberry Road, Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
- +1-2508840093
- sweetgrassartsandmusic@gmail.com
- Mon-Fri - 08:00-19:00
Services
We are a non profit community organization dedicated to fostering friendship, breaking down barriers by creating community through art, music, story telling and cultural experiences. Colonialism has caused such division amongst our First Peoples, it is time we came together which has always been our way.
We offer beading circles, music events and art events, art making, cultural camp, story telling and more. BIPOC, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ persons are welcome and safe within our community.
Music, Event Planning
We love creating music and art events for all ages to enjoy. Music and art create a platform for not only friendship, but for healing and creating inclusiveness. One of our goals is to create an Indigenous Arts Festival here on Salt Spring Island. Image above from the Native Art Renaissance Foundation as part of The Art Talks at Art Vancouver 2024.
Culture Camps
We offer beading circles, art making, eco printing, nature walks, campfire circles, drumming and singing.
Events
Our Wish List
Let's Build a Home
Building Our FoundationWe are a grassroots society growing from the heart. While we have been gifted two teepees to begin our work, our vision requires a permanent home. We are seeking a dedicated gathering place, a professional gallery, and a performance hall to anchor Indigenous culture on Salt Spring.
As we work toward long-term funding, we invite the community to help us weave these first threads through the donation of space, supplies, and time.
Space to Gather
SAMS was born from a moment of profound truth. When the Penelakut Elders spoke of the deep need for a cultural home on Salt Spring Island—a place where their stories and presence could be anchored—we knew we had to go to work.
Our mission is to answer that call by building a sanctuary where Elders can pass down wisdom and our youth can find their voices. We are creating the 'Cultural Home' that has been missing for too long.
- We are looking for: A workshop, a studio, or a meeting room available longterm for a few hours a week.
Idea's?
Have Something to Share?
Art & Music Supplies
- Music: Guitars, hand drums, shakers, or recording or sound equipment.
- Art: Canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, beads, and traditional materials (cedar, leather, sinew).
Mentorship & Volunteers
Making the circle bigger means sharing what we know.
- We are looking for: Grant writing assistance, social media help, or Indigenous musicians and artists willing to share a skill with our four youth members.
F.A.Q
Let's Build a Home
Building Our Foundation
We are a grassroots society growing from the heart. While we have been gifted two teepees to begin our work, our vision requires a permanent home. We are seeking a dedicated gathering place, a professional gallery, and a performance hall to anchor Indigenous culture on Salt Spring.
As we work toward long-term funding, we invite the community to help us weave these first threads through the donation of space, supplies, and time.
Space to Gather
Our Story: From Treaty 6 to Salt Spring
Headline: A Promise of Home.
- The Roots: "As a Papaschase descendant. My Cree/Métis ancestors were part of a people forced into constant motion, still fighting for the return of the land promised in Treaty 6. I know the deep, intergenerational ache of having no space to call our own.
- The Moment of Truth: "When the Penelakut Elders spoke of the urgent need for a cultural home on Salt Spring Island—a place where their stories could finally be anchored—that history of displacement struck my heart. Because my people are still fighting for our home, I knew I had to go to work to help anchor a home here.
- Kinship: Grounded by my ties to the Sturgeon and Samson families, I am committed to ensuring no more generations are left without a sanctuary.
- We are looking for: A workshop, a studio, or a meeting room available for a few hours a week.
Button: I Have Something to Share
mailto:sweetgrassartsandmusic@email.com?subject=I want to help the SAMS circle&body=Hi Sherry, I am reaching out because I have (Space / Supplies / Skills) to share with SAMS. Let's connect!
How this helps SAMS right now:
Have Something to Share?
📅 Dates: June 19, 20 & 21, 2026
📍 Location: The Farmers' Institute, Rainbow Road, Salt Spring Island, BC
Stay tuned for the full schedule of events, performers, vendors, and more!
Art & Music Supplies
- Music: Guitars, hand drums, shakers, or recording or sound equipment.
- Art: Canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, beads, and traditional materials (cedar, leather, sinew).
Mentorship & Volunteers
Making the circle bigger means sharing what we know.
- We are looking for: Grant writing assistance, social media help, or Indigenous elders and artists willing to share a skill with our four youth members.
What kind of educational programs do you offer?
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What email address can I use to reach out to your organization?
How can I get involved with your programs?
Gallery
Indigenous People's Weekend 2026-IPW26
More info to come!!
Big Hank Lionhardt and The Blue Hearts, classic Blues show. 5:00-7:00 at Mateada as part of IPW2025. Hank Lionhart is a lead vocalist for The Blue Hearts, Métis and the Blue Hearts are a blues band from Victoria, BC. The Blue Hearts also includes Mark Comerford on guitar and percussion, along with Andy Graffiti on drums. They are a blues trio that performs a mix of traditional blues and original songs. The band has represented BC at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and has been playing together for over 40 years
Artspring is hosting an Indigenous Artshow for the month of June, featuring many artists. Come meet the artists June 20 1-4:00.
As part of the many events planned for Indigenous Peoples Weekend, Sweetgrass Arts and Music Society in tandem with Artspring and IPW2025 will host a teepee raising with Elder Bruce Dumont and Elder Jo-Ina Young will also be onsite with her puppets show at 2:30. We are so honoured to have Qwiyahwultu-hw / Robert George Quw’utsun’ Elder joining us with the youth dancers, Elder Fred Roland on Saturday at 2:00 and many more wonderful events planned. Qwiyahwultu-hw / Robert George is a Quw’utsun’ Elder respected in the Cowichan valley for his immense generosity of sharing teachings, welcoming people of all races and cultures, and working together for Naat’sa Maat Swqualawu’un / One Heart One Mind. He is lead co-facilitator for the Cultural Connections Elder team and involved in many cultural projects including the Thu-it [Truth] exhibit, Reconciliation: The Journey of our Generation workshops and the Xpey’ Project. See Caroline Dick at Waterfront Country Cafe, June 21 1-3:00. Indigenous Vendors will be at the teepee Friday and Saturday at The United Church meadow. On Sunday an Indigenous music showcase will be held at Mateada with Kai Barrette, Ed Peekeecoot and lastly a show by Métis mega Blues Artist Hank Lionhardt.