A Warm Welcome at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square: Downtown Market Opens with Indigenous Vendor Program
On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, the Downtown Farmers Market opened its 2025 season with a celebration that marked both a beginning and an intentioanl step forward. In partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM) launched a new pilot program welcoming four Indigenous-owned businesses to the market community.
The Ceremony: A Gathering in a Good Way
At 2:00 PM, the plaza at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza) filled with the deep rhythms of traditional drumming by Willie, opening the ceremony in a good way and grounding the event with music and meaning.
Executive Director Laura Smit spoke of VFM’s 30-year journey and how the market’s strength lies not in its structures, but in its relationships—with the land, with producers, and with each other. “Maybe this sets us up to better acknowledge the traditional, unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-waututh nations,” she said, “and to appreciate that we are gathered at a place that means ‘a place for cultural gathering.’”
Honouring Partnership, Enhancing Access
Laura also spoke to VFM’s commitment to enhancing access—whether through economic initiatives like the Nutrition Coupon Program, geographic reach through a midweek Downtown market, or now, through this collaboration that deepens cultural understanding and welcome.
Darnell Stager followed with words that echoed hope, respect, and a shared vision of economic empowerment for Indigenous vendors. Their dedication to uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs has been key in shaping this pilot program.
A Market Manager’s Gratitude
Downtown Market Manager Paige Leslie reflected on her own journey from vendor to market leader, calling the market community “incredibly hard-working and passionate.” She shared her joy in getting to know the Indigenous vendors over the past months and welcomed them with deep appreciation.
“This partnership is a step towards intentional inclusion, learning, and celebration—especially fitting as we mark the beginning of Indigenous History Month,” she said.
Meet the Vendors
This year’s featured Indigenous vendors at the Downtown Market include:
-
Big City Bannock – Traditional Indigenous comfort food
-
Hype Chocolate – Modern treats with cultural stories
-
Cedar Hot Sauce – Flavours inspired by traditional ingredients
-
RavenSong Soap & Candle – Artisanal body care rooted in Indigenous plant knowledge
A Space for Cultural Exchange
The opening ceremony was filled with joy with more drumming, while the market came alive with shoppers, conversations, and community. The energy was celebratory, grounded in respect, and full of excitement for the season ahead.
As VFM enters its 30th year, this pilot program reflects our continued journey to make markets more inclusive, accessible, and representative of the land and peoples we work alongside.
We invite you to visit the Downtown Market every Wednesday from 2PM–6PM through December—and to connect with these inspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs all season long.
We are in gratitude for the gathering space of šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl\’e7énḵ Square, on which we host the Downtown Farmers Market and the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
