October 10th, 2023, marks Fiji’s 53 years of Independence from the British Empire. We would like to recognize this, and the Independence of our brothers and sisters whose lands were also colonized by celebrating our unique and interwoven identities.

Share what identity and Independence mean to you at Arrieta’s Art Studio on October 14th in a safe space through your spoken medium.

Girmitiya Day is a reflection of the lived experiences and history of indentured labourers in Fiji. Often this history centres on the trauma of crossing “kala pani” and the hardships of girmit. This year we will reclaim the day to honour and remember this history. We have envisioned today to focus on diasporic Indo-Fijians searching for our authentic selves through the stories and oral traditions of our ancestors.

The hosts of High Phrase and No Ties 1879 are proud to bring you an evening of celebrating our culture & identities by showcasing Vancouver's talented Fijian hip-hop OG's.

We invite you for an evening of culture as we share our stories as descendants of Indian indentured labourers of the British Empire.

The first ship carrying Indian indentured labourers arrived in Fiji on May 14th, 1879. The labourers were to work on sugarcane plantations situated on indigenous Fijian lands. Many labourers were promised vast opportunities and riches just a stones throw away from their villages in India. In reality they were transported across an ocean, worked minimum twelve-hour days, and lived in less than ideal conditions.

Join us as we pay respect to our ancestors.