UNYA Auction & Gala
AUCTION & GALA
VYP Rotaract is hosting an auction and gala fundraiser at Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art on June 2, 2022, in support of Urban Native Youth Association.
Hosted at Canada’s only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast, the VYP planning committee has endeavoured to incorporate Indigenous culture into many aspects of the evening. From the location to the musicians to the menu, this semi-formal Auction & Gala will not just raise money for Indigenous youth programs but be a celebration of local Indigenous culture. Throughout the evening you can expect a two-part live auction, a silent auction, and raffles. Enjoy Indigenous-inspired passed canapés made by Bon Vivant Catering in collaboration with Indigenous Chefs from across British Columbia, view the work of local Indigenous artists, and if you are lucky win an auction item.
Join us in supporting this amazing cause, celebrating these amazing cultures, and having a wonderful evening!
ABOUT UNYA
Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) is a local organization that helps support Indigenous youth on their journey to find their voice, realize their vision, and ultimately empower them to lead and inspire all Nations. UNYA has been supporting urban youth for 34 years! Today, UNYA delivers 20+ programs, with 175+ volunteers, 100 staff, and more than 300 community partners. Some of their programs include relief counselling for youth, youth safe houses, access to health care, young spirits summer camps and safe spaces to seek advice from community elders. History has put Indigenous youth today at a disadvantage, UNYA aims to provide tools and opportunities for today’s youth to overcome the challenges they face and realize their full potential. Today’s Indigenous youth deserve better outcomes than previous generations. Click here to learn more about UNYA.
Fundraising Goal
$30,000
Auction Items
Live Auction
Do you want to get a sneak peek at our live auction items?
Silent Auction
The silent auction is now open!
SPECIAL GUESTS
Cheryl Robinson
Cheryl is of St’at’imc and Nisga’a ancestry and has lived as a guest on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations for most of her life.
She has been uplifting and empowering Indigenous youth, families, and communities for over 25 years. As Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)’s Chief Executive Officer, she leads the organization’s programming and partnership development, while mentoring and inspiring UNYA’s staff and volunteers to fulfil their potential as leaders and facilitators.
Cheryl’s work focuses on supporting and empowering Indigenous youth not only today but for generations to come. She is currently engaged in deepening existing relationships and forging new partnerships as UNYA prepares to build a purpose-built new youth centre, which will be an innovative new community hub for Indigenous youth and their families in Metro Vancouver.
Matthew Norris
Matthew Norris (he/him) is Nehithaw, Woodlands Cree and a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan.
Matthew is the president of the Urban Native Youth Association and brings years of policy experience with the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the BC Climate Secretariats’ Indigenous Climate Adaptation Working Group and as an Indigenous delegate to the United Nations. He is also sits on the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan Expert Advisory Committee and is a current PhD student at UBC studying international Indigenous rights frameworks. He is also a OneCity Candidate for Vancouver City Council for the 2022 municipal election.
Matthew has a long history of political advocacy and community activism around issues related to climate and social justice initiatives with a specific focus on the recognition and implementation of the rights of Indigenous peoples.
MLA: Hon. Melanie Mark
Elected in 2016, HLI HAYKWHL ẂII XSGAAK, 馬蘭妮, Melanie Mark, is the first First Nations woman Member of the Legislative Assembly in British Columbia’s history. Today, Melanie remains the only First Nations woman to serve in cabinet as B.C.’s new Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. Melanie is Nisga’a, Gitxsan, Cree and Ojibway.
Melanie is unapologetically passionate about social, environmental and economic justice; and she entered politics to disrupt the status quo.
She is most proud of her work as Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, namely supporting Indigenous teachers and language fluency, and in 2018 launching the world’s first Indigenous Law program at the University of Victoria.
Melanie believes strongly that the changes we need to inspire and support future generations, require all of us to get on board and paddle together.
Click here to learn more about Melanie.
Laura Lewis
Laura Lewis is from the Nisga’a, Tsimshian, Tahltan and Tlingit Nations; raised within the vibrant multi-cultural community of East Vancouver which is over 1,400 km from her home community of Gingolx. Although far from her homelands, Laura found comfort in the Indigenous Urban Community that East Vancouver offers in sharing similarities and cultural differences between Nations.
Laura not only is an athlete with an All Indigenous Women’s Basketball team that advocates for health and wellness, but also works for her Nisga’a community as the Programs and Services Coordinator, as to support the community that helped keep her connected to her Nisga’a Identity.
Laura would also like to thank the Urban Native Youth Association for supporting her while growing up as an Urban Indigenous youth by not only offering Indigenous teaching and practices but also a welcoming space to learn.
To learn more about Laura and the Diamonds of the downtown east side click here.
Hayley Wallis and The Bright Futures
The rich textured tone of singer-songwriter Hayley Wallis’ voice has unmistakable confidence that is immediately recognizable. Hayley delivers a powerfully emotional performance that evokes a response as dynamic as her vocal range.
She is part of the Kitasoo/Xais’xais Nation, originally from Klemtu, a small isolated island located in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia.
Hayley is well on her way to breaking into the scene with her debut single coffee cup, a relatable soulful pop anthem about mental health and reaching out for help.
Click here to learn more about Hayley.
ABOUT BILL REID GALLERY
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art was established by the Bill Reid Foundation in 2008, to honour and celebrate acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920 – 1998), who was a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, broadcaster and spokesman. Bill Reid Gallery is the only public Gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art. The Gallery honours Bill Reid by exhibiting the Bill Reid SFU Art Collection, and presenting special exhibitions and programs that build bridges between all peoples, including Indigenous and settler populations. Their mandate is to promote a greater awareness of Indigenous cultures and values. Click here to learn more about the Bill Reid Gallery.
EVENT SPONSORS
Vancouver Young Professionals would like to recognize the extraordinary generosity of the community, which has made this fundraiser possible.
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
GIFT IN KIND
Sewsnoozy
Paul M.
Cristina S.
Joan P.
Myron K.
Celine M.
Ron S.
Stuart B.
Mags H.
Mukhtar L.
Julia H.
Peter K.
Sophie C.
Adriana Z.
HONOURABLE DONORS
Rotary Club of Vancouver, Rotary Club of Vancouver Sunrise, Deb Sankey, Robba Da Matti
AUCTION & GALA PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Vancouver Young Professionals would also like to recognize the committee members who have volunteered their time, and worked tirelessly to make this event happen.
Behrad (Bob) Nassiri, Celine Maisonneuve, David Wray, Eric Peach, Jessica Steeves, Julia Halbert, Melody Hu, Miguel Rozo, Nolwen Le Guay, Ron Suzuki, Sophie Callander
A huge thank you to all of the VYP members who helped find auction items, sponsorships, and ticket sales. Every day we are grateful that you all chose the VYP family!
Auction & Gala Menu
In collaboration with Indigenous Chefs across the province, Chef Dino Renaerts has created select canapés that utilize traditional Indigenous ingredients from the sea, the forest, and the plains – in innovative ways. These dishes are marked by *
Passed Canapés
Wild Mushroom Bruschetta*
fresh herbs, vincotto
(vegan)
Spring Pea Risotto
oven-dried tomato, pea shoots
(vegan, gluten-free)
Confit Cherry Tomato & Goat Cheese
crostini
(vegetarian)
Bannock & Salmon*
candied wild bc salmon mousse
Chicken Karaage Bites
spicy miso aioli
(gluten-free)
Bison Pemmican Meatball*
cherry glaze
(gluten-free)
Scallop & Bacon Brochette*
miso glaze
(gluten-free)
Smoked Trout Cake*
herb aïoli
Stationary Food
Fresh Fruit Platters
assortment of sliced seasonal fruit and melons
(gluten-free, vegan)
Crudité Platters
a wide selection of colourful fresh vegetables served with house-made dip
(gluten-free, vegan dip available upon request)
Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables
marinated zucchini, peppers and eggplant, olive oil, chimichurri sauce
(vegan, gluten-free)
Auction & Gala Official Event Photography
by Tracy Jean Wong
Hourly Schedule
- 18:30
- Doors Open
- Our team of volunteers will check you in
- 18:30 - 19:00
- Enjoy an acoustic session by Hayley Wallis
- 19:00 - 19:15
- First Speaker
- UNYA President Matthew Norris, and UNYA CEO Cheryl Robinson
- 19:15 - 19:30
- Second Speaker
- Honorable Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
- 19:30 - 20:00
- First Live Auction
- 20:00 - 20:30
- Intermission
- Enjoy music by Hayley Wallis and The Bright Futures and mingle
- 20:30 - 21:00
- Second Live Auction
- 21:00
- Silent Auction Closes - Winning bidders will be notified via email
- 21:00 - 21:15
- Final Speech
- Vancouver Young Professionals Rotaract President Julia Halbert