The ‘Ut’loo Noye Khunni ~ Weaving Words Celebration returns from March 4 to 7, 2026, focusing on Indigenous storytelling across generations. This annual event in Prince George highlights diverse artists through literary discussions, traditional performances, and cultural activities. It continues a tradition started in 2005 within the local literary community.
The Weaving Words Celebration, known as ‘Ut’loo Noye Khunni ~ Weaving Words Celebration, takes place over four days at venues including the University of Northern British Columbia, Two River Arts Gallery, Vanier Hall, and Omineca Arts Centre. Organized to celebrate the legacy, present, and future of Indigenous storytelling, the festival features participants from youth to established professionals. It integrates local Indigenous traditions such as drumming, singing, jigging, and beading with literary talks and readings, emphasizing culture and language as foundations of literature.
This year's lineup includes several notable Indigenous voices. Richard Van Camp, from the Dogrib (Tłı̨chǫ) Nation, returns to discuss his career spanning graphic novels like Wheetago War, films such as Three Feathers, and novels including The Lesser Blessed. Katherena Vermette, of Red River Métis heritage, shares insights from works like The Break, The Strangers, and A Girl Called Echo; she received the 2013 Governor General’s Literary Award for Poetry for North End Love Songs.
Carolyn Robert, of St’at’imc and Sto:lo backgrounds, focuses on decolonizing education and will promote her forthcoming book Tess’s Red Dress: Honouring Love and Family, set for release in April 2026, which introduces elementary readers to MMIWG2S+ themes. G̱a̱mksimoon, from the Ts’msyen Nation, performs as a singer and songwriter with a recent album in the Sm’algyax language, blending traditional and original music. Reneltta Arluk, with Inuvialuk, Dene, and Cree roots, presents her work as a playwright and poet, including Pawakan Macbeth—a Cree adaptation of Shakespeare—and the one-woman show TUMIT on Inuit identity. Kym Gouchie, from Lheidli T’enneh, contributes as a musician, storyteller, and elder-in-training; she earned the Stingray Rising Star Award for her advocacy in Indigenous rights and cultural mentorship.
Since its inception in 2005, the event has become a key part of Prince George’s literary scene. Full details are available at www.weavingwords.info.
