Deep Roots: indigenous night
Fridays On Front Opening Night: Deep Roots, Fierce Community, and Fabulous Atmosphere!
Honeys, if you were there last Friday, July 11th, from 6 pm to 10 pm, then you already know—Fridays on Front is BACK and bolder than ever! We kicked off the 2025 season with nothing short of a glorious celebration of culture, community, and connection! What a night to remember! 💃✨
A special thanks to our glamourous photographer for the wonderful pics: Moniza Perim
🌾 “Deep Roots: Indigenous Night” – Honouring Ancestral Lands and Living Culture
We began this year’s series with a very special theme: “Deep Roots: Indigenous Night.” Why? Because before we dance, sip, and dive in summer glory, we take a moment to recognize, respect, and uplift the people who have always been here.
Fridays on Front takes place in the heart of Downtown New Westminster, nestled along the banks of the mighty Fraser River—a sacred and deeply significant place for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. These ancestral lands are home to the Qayqayt First Nation and many Halkomelem speaking peoples have lived, thrived, and shared stories on these lands and along the river long before this territory was defined as “New West.”
That’s why it meant the world to us to launch our summer series with a heartfelt night of music, stories, and community led by Indigenous voices. We had the absolute honour of welcoming Chief Rhonda Larrabee, the Chief of Qayqayt First Nation, to open the evening. Her presence reminded us all that Truth and Reconciliation isn’t just a phrase—it’s a daily responsibility, practice, and celebration of resilience and culture. 🌿🧡
Show Your Support And Appreciation To New West’s Indigenous Community:
During the Fridays on Front opening night, our crew walked along Front Street Mews with a QR code that directed to the donation page for the Spirit Of The Children Society, a non-profit society based in BC, which works to empower and strengthen Indigenous families by providing support and resources through many programs in the Lower Mainland.
If you didn't have the chance to make your donation last Friday and want to contribute to the meaningful work of this special non-profit, click on the button below:
🎤 Entertainment That Served Soul, Foodie Haeven & Local Support
Oh, and baby—the stage was LIVING! Our legendary host and drag king royalty, Justin Abit, brought charisma, confidence, and a whole lotta glitter to the mic. We were swooning to the rich, heartfelt voice of Shawn Bullshields, and deeply moved by the storytelling talents of John Spence and James Groening, who shared ancestral wisdom, humour, and truth under the warm New West sunset. 🌞🎶
Let’s talk about food, because this lineup was HOTTER than a July sidewalk in pumps! A special shoutout to these 6 incredible food trucks who kept our taste buds happy: Taste of Malaysia, Reel Mac and Cheese, Kona Ice, The Taco Tigre, WakWak Burger, and Dos Amigos. And to quench those dance-floor thirsts, our friends at Steel & Oak Brewing Co. came through with their crisp beer dreams!
We were also lucky to be surrounded by amazing local vendors, Indigenous makers, and creative souls, all gathered to share, connect, and celebrate what makes Fridays On Front so special. From artisan crafts to joyful chats, we saw it all—plus a packed kids’ play area and a few fabulous furry friends struttin’ their stuff.
Thank YOU, Downtown New West!
To every single person who came to Front Street Mews and brought their light, energy, and joy—thank you. You made this opening night a celebration to remember and a moment of meaningful community connection.
And this is only the beginning, boo!
Keep your eyes glued to our socials for all the tea on this week's Fridays on Front: “Bollywood Night”—we’ve got fresh performances, more delicious eats, and surprises coming your way real soon!
Until then, stay fabulous and stay kind.
Yours truly,
Fridays On Front 💋
