The Indigenous Village
The Indigenous Village at the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair is a vibrant cultural attraction with free admission, hosted by stɑl’əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society and Surrey Delta Metis Association. This immersive experience invites visitors to celebrate the rich traditions of Indigenous peoples in Canada through interactive games, engaging exhibits, and live cultural performances. Watch traditional drumming and dancing, listen to captivating storytelling, and see skilled artisans at work. Enjoy the taste of freshly made bannock and other Indigenous foods while exploring handcrafted goods and cultural teachings. Whether you’re looking to learn, play, or soak in the experience, the Indigenous Village is a must-visit destination at the fair.
Quick Links:
Meet Your Emcee
Brenda Prince is an Anishinaabe comedian who has been lighting up the women’s comedy scene in the Lower Mainland since 2019. A Stand Up for Mental Health graduate, she brings a sharp wit and big auntie energy to every stage she steps on. Brenda has performed at Just For Laughs Vancouver, the Vancouver Fringe Festival, and the Arctic Comedy Festival and is now featured in the new Rez Comedy film.
As our Emcee for the weekend, Brenda will use her humour to set the tone each day, kicking things off with an open mic where the audience is invited to join in song and dance. Get ready for a weekend of laughter, connection, and maybe even a little fried baloney wisdom—because if laughter is good medicine, Brenda’s serving up a full plate!
2025 Performances
Location: Indigenous Village Stage
Admission: Included with your Fairgrounds Admission Ticket
Ages: All-ages
You don’t want to miss..
🎶 Welcome Ceremony – Taking place on Friday at 7:20 pm, with Chief Marilyn Gabriel, Kwantlen First Nation, and Chief Harley Chappell, Semiahmoo Nation, on the shared unceded traditional territory know today as Cloverdale/Surrey.
🎶 Pow Wow Preformances – By the Wild River Singers.
🎶 Bitterly Divine – A dynamic band known for high-profile performances at major events across Canada.
🎶 Murray Porter – A celebrated bluesman and Juno Award winner, sharing his music for over 40 years.
🎶 Vagabond – Bringing their unique sound from Northern BC.
🎶 Sierra Rose – Traveling from Toronto to share her powerful voice.
🎶 JJ Lavallee – A Saskatchewan-based artist and Male Artist of the Year at the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards.
Spotlight: Stage Artwork
The stunning artwork framing the Indigenous Village Stage is a must-see feature in itself! Crafted by Phyllis Atkins and Peter Arkell, the designs honour the land-based Nations whose traditional territories are home to the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair:
- Thunderbird – to represent Semiahmoo
- Wolf – to represent Kwantlen
- Salmon – to represent the ties to the land and waters of the shared unceded traditional territory of Semiahmoo and Kwantlen.
About the Artist
Phyllis Atkins is a member of the Kwantlen First Nation, Manager of Arts, Culture & Language at the Stalew Arts & Cultural Society, and the Director of the stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow. Phyllis and her team will be onsite at the Indigenous Village throughout the weekend promoting their 4th annual stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow with live performances by Wild River Singers and dance group!
Phyllis is also the co-owner of K’wy’i’y’e Spring Salmon Studio with her husband, Drew Atkins.
About the Graphic Designer
Peter Arkell is a Vancouver-based designer and creative brand consultant. His company, Arkell Design, supports brand transformations and design systems for Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, corporations, and communities.
The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair acknowledges with gratitude the Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen First Nations on whose shared territories we operate.