Indigenous dancers, singers, storytellers, artists and even a former NHL player are coming together tonight (Dec. 20) to celebrate the Winter Solstice.

The first annual Sumshathut, or Sun Festival, is hosted by the Vancouver Island-based Crimson Coast Dance Society, but the Indigenous artists who will be performing are from around the world. The society's artist director says the festival is a re-imagining of traditional knowledge in a modern celebration. Holly Bright says the goal is to bring people together.

The three and a half hour long festival includes performances by 13 Indigenous artists and groups, ranging from Alberta hoop dancer and tiktok sensation Notorious Cree to former NHL enforcer Gino Odjik. Science and traditional knowledge for kids will be presented by Coyote Science and Indigenous fashion will be on display by Coast Salish Design House, Au Lelum.

The global connection among indigenous people will be reflected in performances by the Sami first people of Sweden and Maori from the South Pacific. Bright says the format is based on the traditional potlatch.

The festival begins at 4 p.m. eastern time at https://www.crimsoncoastdance.org.