Register for the 2021 Bead, Hide & Fur Symposium!

September 02, 2021

November 9, 2021 Update:

Due to the state of emergency declared by the Yukon government on Monday evening, the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association has made the decision to postpone the 2021 Bead, Hide and Fur Symposium. We feel it is the best plan of action at this time to help do our part to curb the spread of COVID-19 within the territory.

The Symposium will now be hosted on March 18 to 20, 2022. Participants will be contacted directly as more details become available leading up to March. We’re looking forward to gathering safely at this time.

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We are thrilled to invite you to register for the third annual Bead, Hide & Fur Symposium! This event aims to create and build connection within the arts community, between artists young and old, emerging and experienced. It is scheduled November 12 to 14, 2021 at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon. This three-day symposium is open to Indigenous artists who work with beads, hide, fur and other natural materials such as quills and fish scales.

The symposium will explore a variety of topics, share information and inspiration, identify challenges and opportunities within the sector, and determine ways to continue building a vibrant and viable Indigenous arts industry. The symposium will be held in a sewing circle format, with facilitated discussions and many learning opportunities.

There will also be a selection of hands-on workshops being offered throughout the day on Friday, November 12 and the evening of Saturday, November 13.

All participants are encouraged to bring completed works of art for Show & Share. These can be some of your favourite pieces from your personal or family collection (1-3 items) to be on display throughout the symposium in an informal gallery setting.

There will also be tables available where you can display and sell your work during breaks. Everyone is also encouraged to bring beading and sewing that you may want to exchange or give away, or work on for the duration of the weekend.

REGISTRATION

Registration is open to Indigenous artists from Yukon, Western Canada (NWT, BC, Alberta) and Alaska.

Due to an overwhelming amount of interest in this years’ Symposium, we have decided to close our registration a week early.

We will be closing the form on Thursday, September 23rd at 5pm. Our waitlist is growing rapidly so if you would like to add your name, please do so before this time.

We are so grateful for the amount of interest and support from all of you for this event. A member of our team will be in contact with you regarding your participation and/or sponsorship acceptance in the upcoming weeks.

Please reach out to Abigail at (867) 667-7698 ext. 206 or projects@yfnct.ca.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Participants will be notified if successful for the travel subsidy (see below) by October 14.

TRAVEL SUBSIDY

YFNCT will provide a travel subsidy and hotel accommodation to selected artists who live outside of Whitehorse. The application for this is on the registration form.

We will notify artists who are selected for this support by October 14. If you are not selected for travel and accommodation support, or unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible.

YFNCT will contact all participants who are selected for travel and accommodation support with more information in mid-October.

PROOF OF VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR OUT OF TERRITORY GUESTS

Due to recent outbreaks in surrounding areas, we are requiring all out of territory guests to have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination 14 full days prior to the symposium. Guests must provide proof of vaccination to a member of our team. We realize that this may affect registrants and prevent them from attending, but we must put the safety of our Elders and communities first.

Please send a photo or scanned copy of your COVID-19 vaccination records to projects@yfnct.ca prior to travelling to the Yukon for the symposium.

We appreciate your understanding and ask you to please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

FEES

General Registration: $75 + GST
Elders Registration (65+): FREE
Workshops will cost $25 for registered participants and, in some cases, will be subject to an additional material fee. This cost can be paid at the time of workshop registration.

We will send you the workshop schedule and information once it’s complete and will open some seats in advance for online registration. In-person seats will be held for Elders.

DATES AND TIMES

Friday, November 12

Workshop registration opens: 8:30 a.m.
Optional workshops: 9 - 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.
Welcome reception: 5 - 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 13

Breakfast start: 8:30 a.m.
Artwork display set up: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Symposium: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Optional workshops: 6 - 9 p.m.

Sunday, November 14

Breakfast starts: 8:30 a.m.
Symposium: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Agenda details will be available in mid-October. Times subject to change.

HOW TO PREPARE, WHAT TO BRING

A beading, sewing, or other quiet project in progress to work on during the symposium
Completed works of art for Show & Share - your favourites from your personal or family collection (1-3 pieces)
Beading / sewing supplies that you may want to exchange or share with others
Your ideas and questions around pricing, selling, public education, and what you are willing to share in public workshops

CONTACT

We will be in touch once registration closes. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Abigail Turner
projects@yfnct.ca
867-667-7698 ext. 206