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X̱I,ÁM, Stories in Sand

Free
July 1 - 5
Heritage AcresView on map
HomeThings to DoX̱I,ÁM, Stories in Sand

This Canada Day, experience a one-of-a-kind art festival, blending Indigenous storytelling and world-class sand sculpting.

On July 1, 2026, the grounds of Heritage Acres will be transformed into a monumental outdoor gallery. X̱I,ÁM, Stories in Sand is a premiere sand sculpture festival celebrating Coast Salish origin stories and history through a world-class artistic collaboration. Come enjoy a Heritage Acres Canada Day experience, with a gallery opening on July 1st giving way to a five-day exhibit, a living landscape of Coast Salish stories.

Meaning “to tell a story” in the SENĆOTEN language, X̱I,ÁM, is co-created by WSÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən knowledge keepers alongside international sand sculptors. Led by Chief Abraham Pelkey of the STÁUTW First Nation and World Champion sculptor Damon Langlois, this event offers a land-based Canada Day celebration rooted in authentic stories of place.

This festival is a powerful, educational experience at the intersection of cultural revitalization, reconciliation, sand art and local history.

Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.