It was a sight to behold as throngs of singing and drumming First Nations groups, along with Premier John Horgan and other dignitaries, took part in the B.C. Elders GatheringB次元官网网址檚 Grand Entry Tuesday morning, filling the Island Savings CentreB次元官网网址檚 arena to capacity.

Up to 5,000 people, including about 2,500 elders, are visiting the Cowichan Valley from July 10-12 to attend the 42nd annual gathering.

Hosted this year by Cowichan Tribes, the Gathering has elders coming from First Nations from all over the province.

Attendees will be accommodated at numerous locations throughout the south Island, from Nanaimo to Victoria, during the three-day gathering.

The events at the Gathering will mainly take place at the Island Savings Centre in Duncan, and will include workshops, tours, guest speakers, performers, and a fashion show.

Cowichan TribesB次元官网网址� website says that this yearB次元官网网址檚 reigning King and Queen at the Gathering, Ed and Juanita Elliott, are looking forward to welcoming all the elders from across B.C.

B次元官网网址淲e hope you enjoy yourselves during these three days,B次元官网网址� the website said.

B次元官网网址淲e look forward to watching everyone connect with one another while gaining inspiration in your roles as elders. Cowichan Tribes encourages all attendees to share their wisdom, culture, and history.B次元官网网址�

There will be a full schedule of activities based on the eventB次元官网网址檚 theme: B次元官网网址業 tst B次元官网网址榦B次元官网网址� hwunB次元官网网址� B次元官网网址業 (We are still here).B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址業 tst B次元官网网址榦B次元官网网址� hwunB次元官网网址� B次元官网网址業 speaks to the resiliency of the elders to still be present to rebuild, reconnect and revitalize their culture with future generations and work toward respectful harmonious relationships.

B次元官网网址淭his is an excellent opportunity for our community and neighbours to come together with NutsB次元官网网址檃B次元官网网址檓aat shqwaluwun B次元官网网址� One Heart, One Mind, just like we did in 2008 for the North American Indigenous Games and Tribal Journeys,B次元官网网址� said Cowichan Tribes Chief William (Chip) Seymour in a March interview.

As part of the activities related to the Gathering, Cowichan Tribes has loaned a totem pole that will be on display at Chances Cowichan.

A statement from Cowichan Tribes said that as Chances Cowichan is a joint venture partner for the First Nation, the totem pole will stand for the relationship between the two.

The pole was carved by Cicero Augustine in 1985 and has been refurbished by Doug August (CiceroB次元官网网址檚 son) for Cowichan Tribes.

It will be unveiled at Chances Cowichan on July 11 at 8:30 a.m. and there will be First Nations dancers at the event.

Invited guests at the unveiling include the chief and council of Cowichan Tribes, DuncanB次元官网网址檚 mayor and council and the Duncan totem sub-committee.