Reconciliation events and resources are available in the wake of a performance of the interactive play šxʷʔam̓ət (home) that drew close to 200 people to the Thunderbird Hall last Thursday.
The Theatre for Living Company brought the play to Campbell River as part of a tour of 20 communities in B.C. and Alberta that will run until March 10. šxʷʔam̓ət is presented by a mixed Indigenous and non-Indigenous cast who perform the play once so the audience can see the situation and the problems presented. The play is then run again, with audience members able to “freeze” the action at any point and replace the character whose struggle they understand. The other characters respond, drawing on their own lived expertise.
People in Campbell River who weren’t able to attend last week’s performance have will have another opportunity Saturday, March 10 when the John Howard Society hosts a live webcast viewing of the show’s final performance in Vancouver. (7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the John Howard Society/Foundry office, 140 10th Ave.).
Another webinar hosted by the UBC Learning Circle will take place Feb. 8 from 10:30 a.m. till noon and feature a discussion with Theatre For Living staff member Cindy Charleyboy on using the arts and media as an education and engagement tool. Register in advance to participate at http://learningcircle.ubc.ca/2018/01/what-does-reconciliation-mean-to-you
On Feb. 14 from 7 – 8 p.m., The Philosopher’s Café hosted at Berwick By the Sea will feature a discussion about reconciliation facilitated by Meredith Martin from the Snuneymuxw Nation. Meredith is a psychologist who co-facilitates Truth and Reconciliation workshops.
On Saturday, March 25, The Campbell River Museum will host a community dialogue on reconciliation (details still to be confirmed). The museum is also hosting a presentation called Canadian History from an Aboriginal Perspective Saturday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. where author Bev Sellars will discuss the theme of her book Price Paid: The Fight for First Nations Survival.
Also coming up is the second annual Campbell River Stolen Sisters Memorial March, which will take place Feb. 14 starting at 11:45 a.m. at the foreshore and moving along the highway to the Kwanwatsi Big House. “This march has come to represent a time for remembering, grieving, honouring, and seeking answers for Indigenous communities and their allies,” said organizer Tanille Johnston.
The remembering and grieving that can accompany a discussion about reconciliation topics can generate challenges for individuals. In some cases, support will be helpful. As part of its role in supporting the Campbell River production of šxʷʔam̓ət, the John Howard Society has compiled a list of support resources available either in the region, the island or the province. This resource list is available from the Band office and is available at the link below.
Healing and Wellness Resources