Port Moody to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day with blanket exercise
It’s where the lands, the water, culture and the ancestors connect – the Circle of Life.
Located by Mundy Park Pool, the cast concrete artwork was created by Rosalie Dipcsu (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation).
Dipcsu is set to give a talk on the installation and the significance of the cedar tree, the teachings of the Elders, and the importance of honouring the ancestors – all of which are captured in the artwork.
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The Sunday afternoon session is one of several activities set to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the Tri-Cities.
Kwikwetlem First Nation is slated to hold a walk for truth and reconciliation Monday beginning at 10 a.m. at 2-65 Colony Farm Rd.
Port Moody is planning to hold a blanket exercise on Tuesday.
The two- to three-hour workshop is designed to offer a view of history from an Indigenous perspective.
Under the guidance of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, participants learn the history of colonization, broken treaties, and residential schools. As land is taken, the blankets underfoot get smaller or are removed.
The exercise is set to be held Tuesday afternoon at the Old Mill Boathouse. Registration is required. Participants must be at least 14 years old.
Noting the terrible history of residential schools, Mayor Meghan Lahti encouraged residents to participate in the blanket exercise.
“It’s an immersive experience that will broaden your awareness and understanding of the historical relationship between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in Canada. Through empathy and understanding, we can move forward together and achieve our shared goals for a healthy, inclusive, and vibrant community.”
Other events
Port Coquitlam is organizing a screening of the documentary Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation at Saturday afternoon at the Gathering Place.
The film examines the Indigenous origins of lacrosse as the crew follows the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse Team vying for a world championship. More info here.
Coquitlam is set to hold a day of reflection at Glen Pine Pavilion on Tuesday.
The event is set to feature storytelling and children’s activities as well as a screening of the film Bones of Crows, which follows the story of a Cree woman and residential school survivor who becomes a code talker for Canada during the Second World War.
Place Des Arts on Brunette Avenue is set mark Truth and Reconciliation Day with an art workshop.
The free event, which is slated to include a smudging ceremony as well as remarks from Kwikwetlem Chief Ed Hall, focuses on building a community through art.
The workshop includes Indigenous artists and educators Christine Mackenzie and Nova Weipert.
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