The Stz’uminus First Nation’s chief and council are seeking camping locations, food vendors, and other sponsors to support the upcoming traditional war canoe races next month during the Labor Day weekend in Ladysmith (British Columbia).
“The Canadian circuit for Indigenous canoe races promotes a healthy way of living for our First Nations people,” Chief Roxanne Harris wrote in a letter to community partners.
The canoe races happening on September 3 and 4 are free to attend, and Town of Ladysmith Councilor Duck Paterson is inviting everyone to come down to Transfer Beach to join the event.
The Stz’uminus First Nation’s chief is also hoping for this year’s event to be bigger than ever and is encouraging community partners to support.
For organizers to successfully host the event, an extensive fundraising campaign is required. Among things needed to be provided are camping locations, water and boat committees, first aid, food vendors, grounds maintenance, cash payouts for all races, and more.
Supporting businesses will be showcased as valuable sponsors on the Stz’uminus website, social media channels, marketing materials, and will also have an advertisement in the Ladysmith Chronicle newspaper.
For sponsorship inquiries, reach out to the Stz’uminus administration office at 250-245-7155, Ext. 225.
Over a thousand people flocked to the Town of Ladysmith last year for the races, Harris said.
“This year, we’re hoping the event will be bigger than ever.”
This story originally appeared on Nanaimo News Bulletin.