Huy chexw / Thank you...

We gratefully acknowledge that Geekenders operates primarily on the stolen traditional terrorities of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/ Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and often tours into other traditional territories in what is now known as British Columbia. We do so to honour the original caretakers of these lands who have been here since time immemorial, and the Indigenous people who continue to activate, protect, and care for these lands.


We encourage our fans and followers to research the lands they are on.  Native-Land.ca is an interactive map of the traditional Indigenous territories across Turtle Island.  It is a good place to start your personal research on the traditional territories you reside/work on. 


Another way to help is to support Indigenous artists in your community!  Virago Nation is a collective of Indigenous artists creating performance through burlesque, theatre, song, and spoken word, as well as workshops and community networks rematriating Indigenous sexuality.  Please consider supporting them on their website: https://www.viragonation.ca/.


There are also many charities where your money and volunteer hours can make a huge difference.  We offer a few on our website as a starting-off point for individuals who wish to do more:

- Butterflies in Spirit: A dance group made up of Indigenous women, girls and 2S who dance hip hop, contemporary and decolonial Indigenous dance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls and Two-Spirit people. Their dancers, choreographers and musicians are Indigenous artists who work diligently and tirelessly through community advocacy, dance, music, and art to highlight the injustices Indigenous communities face daily. Geekenders donates 50% of all raffle monies to "It Starts With Us", and we will continue to do so.  You can support us by supporting them!
 
- Battered Women's Support Services is an organisation that supports victims of domestic and sexual abuse, and offers free counselling and Indigneous-led programming for Indigenous womxn. If you are experiencing abuse, please contact BWSS at 604-687-1867


Want to do more?  Check out “150 Acts of Reconciliation”.  This article has 150 different calls to action individuals can work on.  Ask yourself, what work are you doing in your community to contribute to reconciliation efforts happening in your area?  This article has lots of exciting ideas!