The syiyaya Reconciliation Movement has announced a new series of public events for all residents of the Sunshine Coast in November.
First, organizers congratulate Shy Watters for the completion of her beautiful Reconciliation Blanket, Paddling Together. It is on display at the Sechelt Public Library for the entire month. The weaving of Jessica Silvey’s blanket, Unbroken Friendship, continues after a very successful 10 days at the Sechelt Arts Festival. In partnership with School District No. 46, she will continue to serve as an ambassador for the Weaving Reconciliation Project with workshops at the high schools. Arrangements are under way for these visits now, and Jessica will aim to finish her project before Christmas. Stay tuned for further public weaving opportunities. The Weaving Reconciliation Project is set to run until June 2019, also involving weavers ch’elkwilwet Raquel Joe and kwayimin Andy Johnson in 2019.
Second, in partnership with the Sechelt Public Library, the public is invited to a KAIROS Blanket Exercise – seeking Reconciliation through Education and Understanding – on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Seaside Centre. The exercise is a unique participatory history lesson – developed in collaboration with Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers and educators – that fosters truth, understanding, respect and reconciliation among Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. There is room for up to 60 participants. Please RSVP to Sherryl Latimer at 604-885-3260 or [email protected] to confirm your spot. For more information see the Syiyaya Reconciliation Movement Facebook page. For more information about the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, see www.kairosblanketexercise.org.
Also in partnership with the Sechelt Public Library, there will be public screenings of the three-part Aboriginal Peoples’ Television Network mini-series, First Contact, at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, Monday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 3. As described on the program website, “Most Canadians have never taken the time to get to know Indigenous people or visit their communities. First Contact takes six average Canadians, all with strong opinions about Indigenous people, on a unique 28-day journey into Indigenous Canada. Leaving their everyday lives behind, the six will travel deep into Winnipeg, Nunavut, Alberta, Northern Ontario, and the coast of B.C. to visit Indigenous communities. Narrated by host and social justice activist George Stroumboulopoulos, First Contact is a journey that will turn the six participants’ lives upside down, challenging their perceptions and confronting their opinions about a world they never imagined they would see. It is an experience that will change their lives, forever.”
The Movement will show one 50-minute episode each week, followed by an hour-long dialogue circle for viewers to share their reflections with one another. To RSVP, email [email protected] or respond on Facebook. For further information, see aptn.ca/firstcontact.
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