Learn about the Squamish Nation’s history, culture and traditions through stories and songs. We are honoured to host Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Elder S7aplek Lanakila Bob Baker, Co-Founder and Spokesperson of the Spakwus Slolem Eagle Song Dancers. All ages welcome.
Free but space is limited. Registration is recommended; register online or call the Library: 604-886-2130.
Ecko Aleck of the Nlaka’pamux Nation (Lytton, BC,) Alfonso Salinas of the shíshálh Nation (Sunshine Coast, BC,) and Charlene SanJenko of Splatsin of the Secwépemc Nation (Shuswap, BC,) are learning and documenting the traditional cultural teachings and legacies of their Elders, including the impacts of genocide resulting from Canada’s Indian Residential School (IRS) system. Infused by Indigenous ceremony, s-yéwyáw: Awaken walks alongside the process of intergenerational healing.
Alfonso Salinas, Charlene Sanjenko, and director Liz Marshall will attend the screening for Q&A.
Free but space is limited. Register online or contact the Library.
Opening Reception: Friday, September 8th at 5pm
Film Screening + Dialogue: Saturday, September 30th at 7pm
The Days of Augusta is an exhibition that brings together photographs, audio and text that shares the story of Augusta, a Soda Creek Elder who died in 1978. Christened “Mary Augusta Tappage,” Augusta was born on February 11, 1888 in Soda Creek, BC. She was the daughter of Christopher [Alex] Tappage, a Shuswap Chief, and Mary Ann Longshem, a Mètis woman. Widowed as a young woman, Augusta raised her own children, taught herself midwifery skills and helped raise many other children in the area. This exhibit includes Keziere’s recordings of Augusta sharing stories, playing the harmonica and singing cowboy songs, as well as a selection of photographs that have never been seen publicly.
Lead Artist: Lara Felsing
Lara Felsing will lead a workshop that invites participants to learn about the Medicine Wheel in Indigenous traditions and how plant medicines and making can be a gesture of care for our forests. The workshop invites the community to join Lara and stitch a personal handwritten intention for the local forests onto the Medicine Wheel blanket. The Medicine Wheel blanket was made with traditionally harvested plant-dyed second-hand fabrics and hand-stitched with remnant cotton thread. The blanket advocates for protecting all forests, and is a gesture of care and gratitude for the invaluable gifts provided by Mother Earth. The finished Medicine Wheel blanket will be exhibited in the Branching Songs Exhibition.
