Highlights from The 2nd Indigenous Showcase

Another successful Indigenous Showcase has come and gone!

Here's a recap of some of the highlights...

Heartfelt & Charismatic Guest Speaker: Greg Hopf

It was an honour to have Greg Hopf as our guest speaker for the evening, and he did not disappoint. Greg has extensive knowledge in Indigenous tourism, especially as Co-Owner/ Operator of one of Canada's largest Indigenous tourism companies, Moccasin Trails (with his partner Chief Frank Antoine of the Bonaparte First Nation).?

After a series of Indigenous Tourism shorts, the audience was captivated by Greg's honesty as he shared so emotionally his stories of trauma, challenge and triumph. We could envision him as a 7-year-old boy on the skidoo in Northwest Territories checking hundreds of traplines daily with his Grandfather, while also bringing clean blankets to his Grandma to assist her with midwifery. He shared about how he almost lost everything through the pandemic, and then his resilience to fight and gain more than what seemed possible.?

Greg’s passion for ‘ReconciliACTION’ was evident in every word he spoke, and his dedication to helping others make meaningful and positive changes toward reconciliation is truly inspiring.

Meaningful Orange T-shirts by North Okanagan Apparel

Our friends at North Okanagan Apparel designed unique, orange t-shirts to wear on September 30th or any day of the year. People loved the design by Artist, Linda Anderson, and the meaning behind them.

The big handprint is from Linda’s mom, a residential school survivor, and the small handprint is of her 5-year-old-great-granddaughter, the age her mother was when she was taken from her family. The butterfly border design is to honour the children that never made it home.

The t-shirts are now ‘SOLD OUT!’ for 2022, and they hope to bring this design back for 2023. Today, NOA has incredible apparel choices from their line, so make sure you’re sporting their awesome designs anywhere you go.

Beautiful hand-beaded creations by Sharon Hopf

Sharon Hopf’s (Heart to Hand Creations) hand-beaded earrings, necklaces, and more, were absolutely stunning, and we were so fortunate to have her there.

Sharon's beautiful intricate beadwork and styles had several guests comment on how much they loved her work, while literally wearing them out the door of the theatre!

Art by David Wilson Sookinakin

Guests were captivated by the vibrant blues and traditional symbols that characterize David Sookinakin’s work! Inspired by ancient pictographs developed by his Syilx ancestors; through this, David hopes to create a new and contemporary First Nations art form.

It was truly an honour to be able to share his work on display in the lobby. We encourage you to take a look at David’s art on display at the theatre throughout Cultural Days and at the next Indigenous Showcase, on October 4th (every print is for sale)!

Delectable Concession Selections

We want to give a big shout-out to The Towne Theatre’s concession staff who provided delicious food all night - your hard work did not go unnoticed! The Bannock Bitz from Kekuli Cafe , Salsational Salsa with nacho chips, and Candied Wild Pink Salmon from Okanagan Nation Alliance - Okanagan Select were all crowd favourites (and we can’t forget the popcorn - real butter YUM)!

Capturing the night with MemoryKPR

Guests captured the night using memoryKPR for a chance to win tickets to the next event! They did a great job of capturing the spirit of the evening, and everyone had a lot of fun snapping and posing for photos. One of our favourite captions was... “Mom’s excited for her bannock bites and candied salmon she didn’t work for! Haha!” ~ Leo Isaac?

Indian Horse

The feature film, "Indian Horse" was very well received by our guests, many of whom said that it was both powerful and moving.?

This timely film, adapted from the late Richard Wagamese’s novel, tells the story of Saul Indian Horse, an Indigenous Canadian who is torn from his family and sent to a residential school where he suffers abuse at the hands of the teachers. Despite this, Saul finds hope in hockey, which ultimately helps him heal from his trauma.

Elders & Knowledge Keepers: Pamela & Grouse Barnes

Lastly, we want to thank Syilx Elders and Knowledge Keepers Grouse & Pamela Barnes for sharing their wisdom with us. Their traditional welcome, and insights on ‘ReconciliACTION’, Canada’s Residential Schools, and the feature film "Indian Horse" added a needed perspective to the evening's deep conversations. We are so grateful that they could join us.

A Memorable Evening of ‘ReconciliACTION’

All in all, it was a wonderful evening. Many emotions were felt, and some tears were shed, but also laughter was shared throughout this insightful, and heartfelt series of films, storytelling and conversations. Each Indigenous Showcase will be unique, as every story is unique.?

Thank you to everyone who came out to support this event, we are so grateful to have such an amazing community that supports ‘ReconciliACTION’! The anticipation is already building for next month’s Indigenous Showcase. Get your tickets HERE and plan to join us at the Towne Theatre on October 4th!