The Culture Rooms


Date: Jul 16
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where: Level 2 & 3 Atrium

Experience what makes the people and this place so unique. MUSIC: When we are not talking, we are singing. And dancing. And having a time. Learn why music runs in our veins and try out an instrument or two yourself. Have you ever played an ugly stick? LANGUAGE: Did you know we have our own dictionary? Become acquainted with local authors. Learn some new words, like sleeveen or callibogus. And discover place names that will make you giggle, such as Come By Chance or Blow Me Down Provincial Park. NATURE: Mother Nature is highly respected here. Her high winds, dense fog, deep snow and horizontal rain have made us a hearty bunch and have defined our fashion sense. Learn about our spectacular hiking trails. Touch a piece of iceberg. And find out what capelin weather is all about. HISTORY: Come find out what brought people to these shores hundreds of years ago and what has made us such a resilient and creative lot. Try your hand at splitting a cod or bring a turn of water. Learn about resettlement and the salt cod trade. GENEALOGY: Many visitors have "roots" in this province. Some come with a clear understanding of where their families came from, while others only know that somewhere in their past there was a generation that started here. This kiosk shows you how to begin!

Events & Programs

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Indigenous Rising, the first roller derby team to represent multiple Nations at the Roller Derby World Cup, unites players across continents to claim space in the sport they love.

Rising Through the Fray follows this groundbreaking team as new generations join, determined to change the face of roller derby—an inclusive, female-empowering sport still lacking diversity.

With candid intimacy, filmmaker Courtney Montour blends energetic gameplay and tender daily moments as skaters from 30+ Nations find strength in each other. Through portraits of Sour Cherry, Krispy, and Hawaiian Blaze, the film reveals displacement, reconnection, resilience, and belonging beyond the track.

Director/Writer: Courtney Montour
Producer: Jason Brennan
88 mins | Canada | English
Q&A with the filmmaker to follow

This film will be closed-captioned.

Tickets: $12 plus HST. Free for Rooms members. Get your ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090. 

Free with SJIWFF Screening Pass (ticket must be picked up in person with your pass).

For more information and the full festival lineup, visit SJIWFF Rising Through the Fray