An Impactful Indigenous Showcase - November 1st

The November Indigenous Showcase was very impactful! We were honoured to have Special Guest Jenelle Brewer , writer, consultant, and Okanagan Indian Band ’s Recovery Manager speak about intergenerational trauma through a hopeful lens.

We were honoured to have Elder & Knowledge Keeper, Virginia Gregoire give a traditional Syilx welcome and blessing and afterwards shared a short story about her younger years driving the school bus and teaching children. She spoke softly and translated some of the blessings from the Syilx (nsyilxcen) language to English. We have had the pleasure of having Virginia attend the past two showcase events, and her honest and loving stories about her foster children always resonate with everyone in attendance.

With Indigenous Veteran’s Day on November 8th, the mini-doc “Soldiers of the Drum,” created by Vernon-born and raised filmmaker, Lenard Morisette, was screened to learn about ‘Roles of Indigenous People in World War 1, 2 and the Korean War.’?

A quote that resonated with the audience from the film was this one from Lance Sergeant Joseph Flavian St Jermain:

“I hope I get killed here before it’s all over. Here, I lead a platoon, and the boys all call me ‘The Saint’ but if I get back to Canada, I’ll be treated just like another poor goddamn Indian.”

Sometimes hard truths can be healing and educative when we learn about them together in a safe space. That is what the Indigenous Showcase is all about. That, and incredible, local Indigenous businesses & artisans!

The audience then honoured a minute of silence before welcoming Guest Speaker Jenelle Brewer to the podium. ?

The atmosphere was still sombre after just having watched ‘Soldiers of the Drum’, when Jenelle shared an emotional moment with the audience, how the statement of this young brave man who would rather choose to die than go home to Canada had impacted her. She went on to share that her own son would be enlisting to serve alongside other brave Canadians. Jenelle then spoke of her Syilx upbringing and how intergenerational racism has impacted her life. She finished on a positive note, with how there is always hope for healing through many different non-conventional modalities, which makes them more trustworthy for many Indigenous people that have lost trust in conventional and institutional ways.?

During the intermission, guests went straight for the beautifully beaded poppy pins! Talented beader Randi Robins was very popular and guests were seen wearing their newly purchased pins and reveling in the beauty of their significance.

At another vendor's booth, Sharing Mela'hma was busy selling wellness products such as lotions, salves and teas. It was wonderful to meet the creators behind the products!

Bannock Slaps bannock bites were savoured by guests who purchased them at the concession and our own guest speaker Jenelle Brewer was seen with bannock that she was nibbling on while shopping the artisans! Okanagan Nation Alliance - Okanagan Select Candied Pink Wild Salmon was also enjoyed along with a selection of wine from Indigenous World Winery .?

Sweet acoustic music was heard throughout the lobby from Duane Marchand .

The feature film "The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open", was a 2019 Canadian drama directed by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Kathleen Hepburn. The story follows a chance encounter between 2 Indigenous women on the street that leads Ila to encourage Rosie, a pregnant domestic abuse victim, to seek help. Following Ila and Rosie's journey as they navigate the aftermath of this traumatic event, the film is shot in real-time in East Vancouver. An emotional story with a powerful impact, this film truly captured the audience's emotions. It felt like we were there with them.?

A big thank you to everyone who came out and supported ‘ReconciliACTION’! A special thank you as well, to the 1st official sponsor, Tourism Vernon ! We appreciate this support and welcome other sponsors to inquire how to support ‘ReconciliACTION’ through lights, camera… and ACTION!?