Rhythms of Resilience: Stories of Hope and Healing
The stories, songs and dances of Indigenous Peoples are the heartbeat of their communities, carrying the wisdom and teachings of ancestors across generations. Yet, the colonial residential school system sought to silence these voices, stripping Indigenous children of their right to sing, dance, or speak their languages. Governments and churches banned sacred ceremonies as they attempted to erase traditions and destroy cultures.
As we approach National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we invite you to join us for Rhythms of Resilience, an evening of music, dance and stories. This year’s theme centres on storytelling, resilience and the reclamation of voice and tradition. This event is more than a gathering, as we aim to celebrate survivors and intergenerational survivors while commemorating the children who never made it home.
Childminding available from 6-8pm for children 3-12 years old.
Please indicate in your registration if you will be bringing children to the event who need childminding. Please direct questions to hkwan@ywcavan.org.
This event will take place on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
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PROGRAM SCHEDULE
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Doors open for mingling, feasting, exploring Indigenous vendor tables and interacting with art displays
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Program begins (ASL and cultural supports available)
Additional Features
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Art and testimonial displays from YWCA Crabtree Corner participants
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Indigenous-owned vendor tables showcasing traditional and contemporary crafts
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Healing spaces led by Elders, offering cultural support and traditional medicines
PERFORMERS
Dancers of Damelahamid
The Dancers of Damelahamid is an Indigenous dance company from the Northwest Coast of British Columbia with a rich history of masked dance. The Dancers of Damelahamid has produced the annual Coastal Dance Festival since 2008. Their full-length works include Setting the Path (2004), Sharing the Spirit (2007) and Visitors Who Never Left (2009). Newly created works include Spirit Transforming (2012), In Abundance (2014), Flicker (2016), and Mînowin (2019).
Dakota Bear from Land Back Records
Dakota Bear is a Saskatoon-born, Vancouver-based Indigenous hip-hop artist and activist. His melodic rhymes carry stories of Indigenous peoples across Canada leaving listeners enlightened, inspired and instant fans of his music and message. His performances range from audiences of 30,000 (Global Climate Strike with Greta Thunberg, Downtown Vancouver, October 2019), 40,000 at Black Lives Matter Freedom march, to inspirational performances for youth in remote communities in Northern Canada. His work with Idle No More, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited Peoples and the Global Climate Strike movement has intertwined his music with international social justice movements and connected him with fans across the country. He’s shared stages with legendary greats like Bone Thugs n Harmony, Redman & Methodman, TechN9ne and more. His music has been shared by Noisey, Exclaim!, Hip Hop Canada, Digital Drum and numerous grassroots-news outlets while his online videos have collectively amassed more than 1 million views. His quest for love, justice and peace is unwavering, with his melodic rhymes and iconic beats carrying his message to the masses and beyond.
Pîsim Sb from Land Back Records
Pîsim Sb is an Anishinaabe-Nehîyaw artist, entrepreneur and model with an impeccable story. From Maskwacis (musk-wuh-chees) Cree Nation, Pîsim represents his home community through his music and leadership. Pîsim is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Landback Records, where their mission is multi-faceted. Landback Records creates visibility and capacity for Indigenous artists, while prioritizing community over profit, which is demonstrated time and time again in the initiatives they support.
Laura Grizzlypaws
Meet Laura Grizzlypaws, a captivating force from Lillooet, British Columbia, proudly embracing her St’át’imc heritage. As a multifaceted artist, educator, language advocate, and author, she passionately preserves St’át’imc traditions. Grizzlypaws embodies the spirit of balance, harmonizing physical and spiritual realms, akin to the bear's dance.
Grizzlypaws holds a Master of Education and various degrees, earning a Language Heroes award for her contributions to the Salishan language family. Beyond academia, she excels in music, winning the Indigenous Music Award and making a mark in fitness, earning accolades in various competitions.
Her latest venture includes a children's book, "Sulyalesta," enriching St’át’imc cultural knowledge. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education Leadership at Simon Fraser University, Grizzlypaws seamlessly blends traditional practices with spiritual wisdom from her St’át’imc heritage.
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