On its 10th anniversary, VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 is moving to the front lawn of the B.C. Legislature in the spirit of unity.
The annual Indigenous arts celebration has shifted gears this year in light of Canada 150, in a tribute to the work around reconciliation. Visitors are invited to gather Saturday (Sept. 16) to explore interactive displays, educational activities and cultural sharing with Indigenous elders, artists and community members.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not there to entertain anyone,B次元官网网址� explains April Ingham, executive director of Pacific PeoplesB次元官网网址� Partnership. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 there to bring people together to experience the rich cultures of hundreds of different people who have contributed to this event.B次元官网网址�
Four longhouses will be raised on the legislatureB次元官网网址檚 lawn, a historic Lekwungen village site, representing Coast Salish, KawkwakaB次元官网网址檞akw, Nuu-chah-nulth and South Pacific nations.
Pacific PeoplesB次元官网网址� Partnership connects Indigenous people of the Pacific, some 27,000 of them who are dispersed throughout Canada. Earlier this year they put out a call for youth to submit artwork to adorn the longhouses and the selected artists were mentored by artists and elders who helped paint the structures.
B次元官网网址淲hen I talk to some of the youth, for them this is cultural resurgence,B次元官网网址� Ingham says. B次元官网网址淔or the elders, itB次元官网网址檚 bringing back what was lost and creating unity amongst nations.B次元官网网址�
In terms of reconciliation, she adds, this grassroots project initiated by the Indigenous community is a symbol of an outstretched hand. Culturally speaking, itB次元官网网址檚 a gathering and open to anyone who wants to learn and partake in a peaceful way with a good open heart, she says.
B次元官网网址淎s our mayor says, this is the year of reconciliation and I believe this is a good way to take a step forward into that space.B次元官网网址�
