Coming Together in Song and Dance
In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, YWCA Metro Vancouver and the Truth and Reconciliation Committee hosted a community event called Rhythms of Resilience: Vibrations of Hope and Healing.
One of the deepest legacy impacts of colonial residential schools was the loss of cultural traditions, specifically dignity for Matriarchal traditions. Indigenous children were not allowed to sing, dance or speak their languages while in residential schools and many ceremonies were banned both by governments and churches.
On September 27, we gathered at the Japanese Hall where Elder Mary Point helped steward an event that featured artists from across the region, including Coastal Wolf Pack, Desirae, JB the First Lady, Murray Porter and M’Girl. Artist Teresa Walker was also commissioned to create a cradle board art piece to honour children. Attendees were invited to write messages on the cradle board, especially to those childred who never returned from residential schools.
Also helping oversee the event were four witnesses: Vancouver City Councillor Rebecca Bligh, MP for Vancouver East Jenny Kwan, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant Joan Phillip and Executive Director of the Indian Residential Schools Society Angela White.
In addition to bringing together people in celebration and remembrance, the event was meant to spotlight and celebrate a sample of the rich and varied Indigenous cultures and gifts from the area.
“We organized the event to showcase a small sample of the rich cultures and diverse traditions that Indigenous people offer to the world. Honouring the women and children who are with us today and those who have been missing is a necessary step toward reconciliation,” said Viola Thomas, Indigenous Relations Advisor.
More than 350 people made the trip to enjoy the songs and dancing. Child minding was provided, and attendees also enjoyed a free meal that staff and volunteers at YWCA Crabtree Corner Community Resource Centre spent the day making.
Board Chair, Lawrie Ferguson served as the evening’s emcee and shared on the organization’s ongoing work. “YWCA Metro Vancouver is committed to uplifting truth and reconciliation and today’s event is part of our collective responsibility to contribute to exposing the truth and encouraging meaningful actions for reconciliation.”
We extend our gratitude to The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the Regional Advisory Circle for their generous grant from the Na-mi-quai-ni-mak (I remember them) Community Support Fund, as well as the Vancity Community Fund for supporting this very special event.
For more information about the YWCA’s work toward truth and reconciliation, contact Tamara Robertson-Fry at trobertsonfry@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5860.
Photos by Suzette Amaya
