Local Vancouver music group makes events free for Indigenous peoples

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A local music group is making all of their events free for Indigenous peoples, as they aim to break down barriers to allow others to enjoy the arts.

Suzie LeBlanc is the artistic and executive director of Early Music Vancouver and says it’s a small step towards reconciliation.

“[To] help bridge the gap between us and the indigenous communities in Vancouver area, we offer our tickets to all our concerts for free to people from the Indigenous communities. So that was a way of opening our doors, saying ‘welcome.'”

LeBlanc says it’s one of the ways they can help open up access to the arts.

Related Articles:

• Saturday marks International Self-Care Day

• B.C. wine industry recognizes Okanagan man for community outreach

• Granville Island Brewing hosting a ‘good sweat’ for a good cause

“This is one step towards bridging between our community and the Indigenous community. I think there are many, many more steps that can be taken, which we will take as we get to know the community here more, and as we perhaps get to know some of the organizations that we could also support.”

Offering free tickets to their shows is just the first step.

“[It] seemed like for this year, something that was reachable. It sends the message that we are working on the sacred land [of] these people. We’re very aware of that. And so we wanted to open our doors and welcome them.”

LeBlanc adds they’ve decided to make the change so that those impacted by social or economic barriers caused by decades of racism could also enjoy music and a night out with family.