Large numbers of people flocked to Royal Athletic Park to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through song and dance.

The South Island Powwow, organized by the Songhees Nation and City of Victoria, kicked off Friday (Sept. 30) morning with an opening prayer and dance.

Not only is the inaugural event recognizing survivors of residential school, day school and the B次元官网网址�60s Scoop, itB次元官网网址檚 celebrating the cultures and resiliency of Indigenous peoples.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 feeling overwhelmed, overjoyed just from seeing the turnout and support of the people in this region,B次元官网网址� said Songhees Nation chief Ron Sam. B次元官网网址淚t means a lot to us here at Songhees Nation.B次元官网网址�

He added that while Orange Shirt Day is somber occasion, itB次元官网网址檚 an opportunity to come together to support those who survived and remember the children who didnB次元官网网址檛.

B次元官网网址淵es, weB次元官网网址檙e going to remember,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淏ut also, at the same time, stand together and celebrate as a community.B次元官网网址�

And although powwows arenB次元官网网址檛 a tradition of Lekwungen peoples, itB次元官网网址檚 been embraced by members of the community, said Sam.

The day of dancing, drumming, teachings, food and art continues until midnight when the powwow comes to a close with the retirement of colours.

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