Programs at Totest Aleng
Keep current with the public programs offered at the new Indigenous Learning House.
Public programs
The open-air pavilion is ideal for workshops, talks and school programs. Stay tuned for upcoming programs being offered in the space.
Upcoming workshops
To register for upcoming workshops, email totestaleng@surrey.ca with your phone number. We will be in touch to confirm.
Medicinal Soap Making with Deanna Miller, sxwnem
May 11th | 10:30am-12pm
Using a convenient melt and pour soap base, participants will create their own bar of soap adding a custom blend of the 4 sacred medicines used across Turtle Island. Further customize your soap bar with provided mica color and essential oils. Deanna Miller, Sxwnem, of Katzie Nation will also talk about the importance and uses of the 4 sacred medicines. $55 ($45 for Indigenous participants)
weʔ ʔayəm kʷs niʔct ʔiməx (We walk slowly) Plant Walk with Deanna Miller, sxwnem
June 1st | 10:30-11:30am
Join Deanna Miller, sxwnem, to consider land stewardship and our responsibility to “walk slowly” on this land. She will then lead a plant walk in Elgin Heritage Park, highlighting the local native, medicinal and edible plants that are found in the area. $25 ($15 for Indigenous participants)
Spring Fest
Visitors are invited to drop in to a new, vibrant event with multicultural musical guests, dancers, food vendors and a maker market. The event is co-hosted by park neighbors Historic Stewart Farm and Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House.
At Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House, meet Cree artist James Groening during his live painting demonstration, shop products made by Indigenous artists, and connect with archeologist and historian Don Welsh who will be on-site with a visual history of traditional life in Semiahmoo territories.
Past workshops
We were delighted to welcome Artist James Groening for a fun, inspiring and immersive workshop where attendees learned the story of Turtle Island and painted their own masterpieces. James Groening, also known as Blue Sky, is a Burnaby-based Cree artist from the Kahkewistahaw First Nation.
Artwork In Progress
After learning of the legend, attendees got to work on their own pieces.
Attendees at Work
Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House has a studio space where programs take place.
A Sold Out Program
The workshop was well received with a full waitlist of eager registrants.
A successful inaugural year
Since opening in June, several exciting public programs have been offered, including cedar weaving, a corn husk doll workshop, a plant walk and a beaded fedora workshop.
Stay tuned for announcements about public programs to be offered in 2024.
Plant Walk
Katzie First Nation healer Deanna Miller hosted a Plant Walk in July.
Cedar weaving artist Joan Williams hosted a session at the grand opening for Totest Aleng.
Corn Husk Doll Workshop
The workshop was held at the Harvest Fair event.
Beaded Fedora Workshop
Local Métis artist Sheila-Rae Lowe held a beaded fedora workshop in November.
School programs
Collaboration between Indigenous leaders, Surrey School District and City staff is underway to develop school programs that are curriculum current and unique to the venue. Stay tuned for updates on when we are ready to welcome classes for field trips.