A Proud Metis Dwelling Here, in the Lee of The Sisters

Nature is telling us her secrets, if only we slow down to listen. This principle guides the work of Metis artist Gregory Coyes who gratefully lives, works and plays in the lee of The Sisters, the twin peaks that the settlers refer to as “the lions” in North Vancouver. 

Gregory will screen a  selection of his Slow Media pieces which explore an Indigenous sense of cinematic time and space. This media will accompany a selection of songs and stories from Gregory’s portfolio. In the lantern-lit loveliness of Secret Headquarters we will visit in the Cree and Metis tradition referred to as, “kîhokewin”, with fresh bannock & jam, locally harvested rosehip, hibiscus flower and hawthorn berry tea, all warmly shared with musicians Gregory Coyes (voice & guitar), Jesse Rankin (guitar), Naomi Steinberg (flute & vocals), Martin Reisle (cello).

Event Notes / Be Prepared:

• Tickets are available by sliding scale ($30-$50). Suggested admission: $35
• Doors open at 7:30 PM
• Space is limited to 20 participants
• Complimentary tea, bannock & jam provided

Your donation contributes directly to supporting our programming to continue ongoing learning and cultural sharing. We thank you for your support. If you have financial barriers preventing you from purchasing a ticket, please email [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate.

When he graduated from Yale University, Gregory Coyes seemed destined for a career in geology/glaciology—but a role in the 1983 feature Running Brave set him on another path. A filmmaker of Métis/Cree and European descent, over the last forty years he has created programming for many of the major broadcasters. These include Stories from the 7th Fire, an animated series based on the art of Grand Shaman, Norval Morriseau, and Live from the Hundred Years Café, a music series hosted by Coyes himself. No Turning Back (1996) documents the groundbreaking work of Canada’s Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, and How the Fiddle Flows (2002) traces the unique evolution of the Métis music and dance tradition. Both of these films were produced by the NFB. Gregory is the founder of the Slow Media community which explores an Indigenous sense of cinematic time and promotes decolonized media. And he currently coordinates and teaches in the Indigenous Digital Film Program at Capilano University. Gregory is also a songwriter and guitar player steeped in Metis musical traditions. He regularly performs with Savoir Faire, a 5 piece, Vancouver-based folk band.

Secret Headquarters is gratefully situated on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. We honor, respect, and give thanks to our hosts.

Host or Publisher Secret Lantern Society