Indigenous-Led Arts Organization
Empowering Indigenous voices through art, culture, and community
Sage Smoke Society supports Indigenous youth and communities through mentorship, skills training, and creative programming rooted in both traditional culture and contemporary expression.
Our Purpose
Bridging tradition with contemporary expression
Sage Smoke Society supports Indigenous youth and communities by delivering mentorship, skills training, and creative programming rooted in both traditional culture and the five elements of hip-hop.
We provide day-to-day arts-based activities including beat-making, graffiti art, hip-hop dance, MCing, clothing design, traditional crafting, beading, drum making, and Indigenous dance.
These initiatives bridge urban Indigenous expression with traditional knowledge while creating culturally safe, empowering opportunities in both urban and reserve communities.
Community stories and traditions
Signature Events
Four flagship annual events
Our programming is built around four major events that showcase Indigenous talent and bring community together.
Annual Powwow
Traditional dance, drumming, and cultural celebration bringing community together.
Annual Music Festival
Showcasing Indigenous hip-hop, R&B, and contemporary music artists.
Annual Round Dance
A traditional social gathering with round dance songs and community connection.
Annual Comedy Showcase
Indigenous comedy featuring hilarious culturally grounded humor.
Development Pathway
From workshop to mainstage
Our year-round programming creates a pathway so emerging artists can build skills and confidence with opportunities to perform at our annual events.
Year-Round Programming
Ongoing artist development
Between flagship events, we offer workshops, mentorship, and performance opportunities to help artists grow.
Workshops & Training
Beat-making, visual arts, fashion design, and traditional crafts.
Open Mics & Small Events
Regular performance opportunities for emerging artists.
Artist Mentorship
One-on-one guidance from experienced Indigenous artists.
Traditional Arts
Beading, drum making, powwow dance, and singing workshops.
Brooke Ashley
Executive Director
Indigenous Leadership
Led by community, for community
"Deeply grounded in Cree and Coastal teachings, we incorporate cultural protocols, ceremony, storytelling, and artistic practice into both our leadership and creative work."
Brooke Ashley brings over 15 years of experience in Indigenous community leadership, nonprofit program development, and culturally grounded facilitation. As a multidisciplinary artist working across audio engineering, West Coast formline art, and graphic design, he uniquely bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary creative practice.
Under his leadership, Sage Smoke Society has grown to serve hundreds of Indigenous youth annually, securing significant funding while maintaining authentic cultural connection.
Community Impact
Creating real outcomes for Indigenous communities
Our work has been recognized with a Youth Leadership Award from the Solicitor General's Office and a nomination for Best Youth Program from the City of Vancouver.
200+
Youth served in first year
$1.5M+
Government funding secured
5
Elements of hip-hop integrated
15+
Years of community leadership
Support Our Mission
Help us empower the next generation of Indigenous artists
Your support helps provide free programming, studio space, mentorship opportunities, and community events for Indigenous youth across Vancouver and beyond.