Auroara Leigh, Adaawk & I Am Okanagan - The Final Indigenous Showcase Event

It was the final Indigenous Showcase event of this series on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at The Towne Theatre in Vernon, BC. MC Chelssie Baker opened up with some words from her heart.

“I want to take this opportunity to say how thankful I am from the bottom of my heart. I’ve been blessed to host 8 out of 10 Showcases with one being up at SilverStar Mountain. I hope I’ve added value to your journey through reconciliation. I have worked hard to respect the guests that have come up here to share their stories on this stage. I want to end by saying something from my ancestry, 'Huy chexw,' which means - thank you - in Squamish language.” ~ Chelssie Baker | Glohaven Community Hub Indigenous Relations & Content Manager | Co-founder of Shop First Nations

We’ve all appreciated Chelssie, her enthusiasm, and professionalism, as well as Shop First Nations contributions including gifting their incredibly useful Indigenous Social Media Calendar.?

Chelssie then invited Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), Elder Virginia Gregoire, to share a traditional Syilx welcome and prayer with the audience. Virginia played a crucial role in teaching kids Nsyilxcen language while driving a school bus and taking care of many foster children alongside her own children. Her work continues to educate and inspire us all, and with her kind words praying for us to get safely where we need to go, we appreciate her gentle and genuine spirit.??

Earlier in the evening, several short films were played, including Coming Home by Indigenous Showcase partner and collaborator, Filmmaker Charlene 'CJ' SanJenko which highlights her life story paralleled with the life story and work of former Kukpi7 Wayne Christian, of Secwépemc and Syilx Okanagan ancestry, who remains rooted in the culture, principles, and laws of his Nation as he is still fighting for justice from the Indian Child Caravan over 40 years later.?

Charlene and her team have been integral to this event, through advice, film selection, being the guest speaker with highlighted films at two events, marketing and editing support, and then kindly gifting a brand new NOURISH Story Kit gift to Virginia Gregoire.?

“At reGEN media, we deeply believe in the power of stories to heal. It was our absolute pleasure to partner with our friends at Glohaven in the Indigenous Showcase series. Creating a space to share our stories in and with the community is so important. Grateful to Angela, Chelssie, and the team for including us in this incredible collaboration.?

On a personal level, having the opportunity to share my own story through my short film, Coming Home, was an incredibly powerful experience. We look forward to future opportunities to continue collaborating and building momentum around powerfully transformative Indigenous stories into the future. Next up for reGEN Media, we are pleased to announce our NOURISH Story Kits. We are excited to deepen nourishing experiences for audiences as we curate incredible products from BIPOC and historically under-recognized artists, crafters, and creators.” ~ Charlene 'CJ' SanJenko | Founder of reGEN Impact Media Group

Auroara Leigh's Powerful Musical Debut

The Towne Theatre had just received an accolade being chosen as ‘The Top Independent Theatre in Canada,’ and it’s where Cree Métis singer-songwriter & healer, Auroara Leigh's, powerful debut musical performance took place. With strong roots in the Okanagan, Auroara travelled from Ft. St. James to attend the Métis Mental Health & Wellness Gathering held at Nk’Mip in Osoyoos, and then to share healing through music with the Indigenous Showcase audience.?

At age 14, in Prince Rupert, Auroara experienced being targeted by human traffickers along the Highway of Tears. She shared about this experience, how she didn’t even realize she was being groomed, and how she was thankfully intercepted by a family friend just in time before she was set to travel to Vancouver.?(Castanet Story)

Auroara reflected on the fact that her own daughter is now this age, as well as her family history with her Great-Grandmother being stolen as a slave at age 13 from Manitoba and taken to Saskatchewan. Human trafficking is horrifyingly still a massive problem with a staggering statistic of over 27 million people being trafficked today worldwide.?

Auroara explained that she is calling her tour a love and connection movement, to rewire trauma and build trust, hope and courageous conversations. She uses her own past traumatic experiences to heal herself and others, through song, but also through medical and cultural anthropology. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Education and now teaches and inspires through music and creating safe and sacred spaces in communities around BC.?

“The Indigenous Showcase offered me a sanctuary and starting point in my journey with offering healing music shows! Afterwards, I could feel there’s so much more waiting to pour out, and I am confident that I’m ready for larger shows now! Thank you so much for this opportunity to grow as an artist, and as a person!” ~ Auroara Leigh | Singer-Songwriter, Author & Anthropologist

Follow Auroara's music journey on Spotify, Apple Music, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and SimplySacred.ca.

Community Impact: May 2nd Event Raised Funds for Jewels Of Hope and Archway Society

Archway Society for Domestic Peace, and Jewels of Hope by HOPE Outreach were two incredible organizations represented at the event.

“As a colonized women's organization dedicated to operating within an intersectional feminist framework and committed to reconcili-action (as I heard last night) and de-colonizing our work, the opportunity to participate in an Indigenous led and centered event that is focussed on highlighting murdered & missing Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited is essential in our growth and learning to truly become inclusive and honour the traditional stewards of the land that is the Silyx.” ~ Micki Materi | Archway Society for Domestic Peace

Mickie also shared that they are currently looking for new board members, so please reach out to Archway Society if your heart is calling you to work with them.??

Not only did Jewels of Hope from HOPE Outreach share about their mission, but they were also very busy selling their beautiful bracelets, all meaningfully named by the women that created them that get paid dignity wages for their work.?

“This well-organized context for learning and connecting was really beautiful. It was a humble honour and exciting opportunity to be part of respectful conversations that have potential to influence positive sustainable change over time.

Jewels of HOPE really appreciated the opportunity to share the stories and the values of?women currently experiencing homelessness in Vernon. The bracelets made by this community of women is the expression of the longing to be seen, to be heard with human dignity.?

Thank you to the organizers, the participants and all who share the values of safety, belonging, equity and human dignity for all.” ~ Lorraine Richmond | Jewels of HOPE?

Intermission: Artisan Shopping, Smooth Tunes and Snacks

During the intermission, everyone enjoyed the smooth tunes of Duane Marchand and his smile that lit the room, as the vendor tables were hopping with business!?

Auroara had her book IndigenEyes (which was featured in an Indigenous Globox? curation in 2022), CDs, and also blanket keychains for sale, which were a collaboration with Jewels Of Hope.?

Shannon Hickey showcased SHISAKO, her exceptionally made belt bags that are elegant, wearable, and usable pieces that are safe for the earth. Shannon and her Mom shared they were excited to see friends from their Splatsin community attend the showcase and... make the evening's first purchases!

“It was an honour to be a part of the missing murdered Indigenous women feature film night. This film presents an issue that needs more awareness outside of Indigenous communities and Glohaven has created that opportunity. To see non-Indigenous people from the community come out to learn more and support my business gave me a feeling of acceptance. My grandmother, mother and I were the lucky ones who lived to pursue our dreams. I will always remember this fate, because too many Indigenous women and girls do not have the chance to pursue their own dreams.” ~ Shannon Hickey | SHISAKO?

The concession was stocked with Okanagan Nation Alliance - Okanagan Select (ONA) Candied Pink Wild Salmon, and Salsational Salsa with chips. A big thank you to Les Marshall for donating his delicious salsa for this event, and also to the ONA on their incredible rehabilitation work to bring back the salmon population.?

It was wonderful to see familiar faces from School District 22! They kindly provided a large Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, a mannequin wearing a red dress, Truth and Reconciliation Posters, and pictures accompanying the true life stories of missing and murdered women.??

In the spirit of collaboration, we’ve immensely enjoyed working with Carly Hills, and her team. Together with community partners, we sponsored over 3500 students at reconciliation events.?

“SD22 teachers and staff have thoroughly enjoyed the Indigenous Showcases over the last several months. The showcases have been a way for staff to further their understanding of Indigenous culture, history, and stories through films and performances.

One of the greatest successes of the showcase has been bringing together not just SD22 staff but Vernon also. Aside from professional learning opportunities, there isn't the ability for the community to come together to learn and be inspired like this. Several times I've heard how those who have attended the showcases have shared the films or what they learned with the staff at their schools.?

From the success of the showcases, it is clear that there is a desire for deeper learning surrounding Indigenous knowledge, history and culture in our community. liml?mt - thank you”?~ Carly Hills | District la?kín? i? sqílx? ka cmipnwi?n (Indigenous Education) Lead Teacher | School District 22, Vernon?

The wine bar was popular with selections of Pinot Gris, Red Fox Rosé, Merlot and Gamay Noir from Indigenous World Winery, and we were grateful for the donation of wine for this event! A big thank you to Okanagan Screen Arts Society (OSA) volunteer, Cathie Stewart, for her unwavering excellent customer service with a smile.?

Feature Documentaries: Adaawk & I am Okanagan

Following intermission, tourism short films entertained the audience, including a beautiful film by Syilx interdisciplinary performance artist, doctoral student, and OKIB member, Mariel Belanger called Reminders For The People. Then we moved into the two feature short documentaries.

Adaawk

Adaawk “A-Dow-ick" (Oral history) was a moving documentary that gives a glimpse into the lives of loved ones that are missing and murdered along the infamous Highway of Tears. The audience was very moved, with many wiping tears from their eyes, from the real-life stories of the families courageously telling their stories that have lost loved ones on this notorious stretch of highway, while dealing with their loss and grief.

“The purpose behind this film is to put names and faces to the Indigenous women, girls, and people who have gone missing along the Highway of Tears, and to honour their families. My niece Tamara Chipman went missing from Prince Rupert, and we think of her every day. The public needs to hear our stories. We’re not just a number.” ~ Lorna Brown | Director/ Producer of Adaawk | Founder of Tears To Hope Society

I am Okanagan

For the final film of this event series, a very special film created by the Okanagan Indian Band, and the Syilx Nation was ‘taken out of the vault.’ Musician and Filmmaker Duane Marchand explained to us how N'ca qn S'ookanaqinx - I Am Okanagan, was filmed in 2004, and footage was originally compiled from DV Cams, Beta and other sources. All these years later, it still translated beautifully to The Towne’s big screen. Through Duane’s narration and interviews, we all heard positive stories illustrating a beautiful tribute to the Syilx spirit of the Okanagan people.?

As the credits rolled, the audience attempted to applaud, then had to stop for ‘spot on’ outtakes that brought up people’s spirits, and ripples of laughter erupted throughout the theatre.?

“This final Glohaven event was very special. Coming to the end is always bittersweet. I believe there will be a revival as it pulls on the heartstrings of the general public. Those who care about the talent, the artisans, and the venue always make return visits and bring friends.” ~ Duane Marchand | Musician & Filmmaker

2004 to 2023 - this is the power of film, that these stories were captured, told, and are still being told today. They hold relevance, and education, and Duane shared that this film honours many loved ones that have left Earth to meet The Creator. This is why the film is so important.

We truly hope that this Indigenous Showcase event series inspires other communities across the country to showcase Indigenous films, speakers and businesses in a similar format.?

Raising Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S)

During this event, we aimed to bring attention to the disproportionate impact and the harsh truths surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. If you're interested in learning more, please follow Adaawk Film online (you can contact Lorna Brown to schedule a screening in your community) and Tears To Hope Society.

We encourage everyone to spread awareness and offer help and healing to those affected by this heartbreaking reality. Consider wearing red on May 5th and hanging a red dress from your window or porch at home or work. Contact your local friendship centre to find out how you can get involved in a walk, gathering, tea, or other event.

Support for this initiative was provided by Glohaven Community Hub, Tourism Vernon, and the Province of BC.

"Tourism Vernon was honoured to support The Indigenous Showcase initiative at The Towne Theatre alongside Glohaven Community Hub. This event series provided tourists and our community with access to a niche reconciliation event in Vernon. A big thank you to the Indigenous speakers, performers, business owners and filmmakers that made this event so special.” ~ Torrie Silverthorn | Manager of Tourism Vernon?

Each and every one of us who has worked on a total of 10 showcase events is humbled and honoured to have been able to support the community’s responsibility to further reconciliation through Indigenous events. We have learned so much about this community while leading audiences in furthering their own knowledge of Indigenous resilience through art, culture and history.?

“It is our hope that, in some way, the indigenous showcase has positively impacted your personal journey through reconciliation and provided you with an opportunity to learn, to grow, and mostly importantly… to take action by supporting and lifting up Indigenous people in the community around you.

We feel a great sense of pride in how the Indigenous Showcase has engaged the community in meaningful conversation…?and while we’re sad it’s coming to an end, our work at Glohaven is just beginning.

Later this year we are launching Glohaven.com, an online marketplace that’s going to make it easy for you to explore, shop, and support local businesses just like the ones that were highlighted at this event.” ~ Michael Benedek | CEO & Co-founder of Glohaven Community Hub

Please follow our development journey at Glohaven Community Hub through our social channels and sign up for our newsletter, as we keep working to build this platform to support local communities, and their tourism-based businesses.?

liml?mt - thank you

Angela Case | Event Organizer | Customer Success Manager & Co-founder of Glohaven Community Hub?

~ On behalf of the Indigenous Showcase Team