This project, in partnership with the Bridge River Valley Community Association, brought together artists, researchers, and residents to explore post-wildfire recovery through creative expression and community dialogue in the Bridge River Valley Community in the aftermath of the Downton Lake fire. The three-day resulting FireWeave Festival featured workshops, guided hikes, art installations, and a community BBQ, all grounded in lived experience of the 2023 fire. Events like the Paint & Sip, Pine Needle Basketry workshop, and Wildfire Film Screening created space for storytelling, grief, and healing, while highlighting the emotional and ecological landscapes shaped by fire. The festival also fostered new collaborations with local artists and knowledge holders, and marked an important step toward building relationships with nearby St’át’imc communities.
UBC Student Project Lead: Gillian Der
Community Partner: Bridge River Valley Community Association
Grant Type: Chapman & Innovation
Year of Publication: 2024
Topic: Wildlife Recovery, Environmental Awareness, Experiential Education, Indigenous Knowledge Sharing
Keywords: Advocacy, Arts-Based Practices, Storytelling, Community Programming
Population: Bridge River Valley Residents