Indigenous-led arts, music, and cultural gathering on Salt Spring Island
Founded in 2024, the Sweetgrass Arts and Music Society was created to provide a welcoming space for Indigenous artists and community members to gather, share, and celebrate culture through the arts.
About the Society
Sweetgrass Arts and Music Society of Salt Spring Island is an Indigenous-led arts organization directed by Sherry Leigh Williams — a Red River Métis artist, vocalist, published writer, and community producer. Incorporated under the BC Societies Act in 2024, Sweetgrass was created in response to a longstanding need for Indigenous representation and cultural space on Salt Spring Island.
The Society is dedicated to creating inclusive, pan-Indigenous programming that welcomes the wider community with music, art, and belonging at its heart. Rooted in respect for the Coast Salish territories on which it operates, Sweetgrass builds bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through shared creative experience.
Williams began promoting live music on Salt Spring Island in 2000 and returned in 2019 to catalyze renewed cultural programming, producing a major concert at All Saints featuring world-renowned violinist Sari Alesh. Sweetgrass has since collaborated with Howard Jang at ArtSpring and The Roundtable to produce Indigenous showcases, expanding programming to include BIPOC artists within Indigenous-focused events.
In June 2025, Sweetgrass co-hosted Indigenous Peoples Weekend 2025 — the first pan-Indigenous weekend on Salt Spring Island — in partnership with ArtSpring, Jon Cooksey, and Pam Tarr. The event brought together Elders, dancers, musicians, and community from over 15 nations.
Read the IPW 2025 report →Our Purpose
What We Do
Sweetgrass presents music events, art showcases, and cultural gatherings that bring Indigenous artists and community together. Programming ranges from intimate house concerts and open mic nights to large-scale multi-day festivals, with ongoing development of new presentations, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
Annual weekend of celebration, ceremony, music, and art honouring Indigenous peoples and cultures on Coast Salish Territory. A gathering for the whole community.
Multi-day event featuring headlining Indigenous artists, regional performers, workshops, and artist talks. Presented in partnership with ArtSpring and The Roundtable.
Intimate bi-monthly house concert series creating space for authentic musical exchange between artists and community on Salt Spring Island.
Weekly open mic hosting encouraging artists at all stages, with ongoing mentorship connecting established and emerging Indigenous artists.
Governance
Founded and led by Métis artist Sherry Leigh Williams, Sweetgrass reflects a lifelong commitment to art, music, and community leadership.
Incorporated September 14, 2024 · BC Societies Act
161 Cranberry Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2G8
Get in Touch
We acknowledge the unceded traditional territories of the Hul'qumi'num and SENCOŦEN speaking peoples on whose land we gather, create, and celebrate.