Relive the October 4th Indigenous Showcase Event!

Welcome to October’s Indigenous Showcase Event!

Our guests of honour, Charlene 'CJ' SanJenko and Wayne Christian, graciously joined us and shared their stories and experiences. It was a memorable night for all who attended. Read on for the highlights from the evening! Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. We hope to see you at our next showcase on Tuesday, November 1st!

An Impactful Introduction

This month’s Showcase began with a powerful performance of 'Warrior Women' by Wendy Chambers and Robin Red Hawk. Their soulful singing and drumming had the entire audience captivated, and singing along.?

We were honoured to have Chief Byron Louis and Elder, Virginia Gregoire, from Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), give a traditional welcome and prayer of blessing for the event.

“Coming Home”

An inspiring, true story of healing and hope was portrayed in the first film, "Coming Home" created by reGEN Impact Media . Taking viewers on a 40-year journey, "Coming Home" tells the interconnected story of Charlene 'CJ' SanJenko and former Kukpi7 (Chief) Wayne Christian's foster care and sixties scoops experiences.?

After the screening, there was a Listening Circle hosted by Charlene 'CJ' SanJenko , Wayne Christian, and members of the reGEN Impact Media , Madeline Archibald and Willow Smith . In this activity, attendees were asked to share a word representing how they felt watching the film... "hope, perseverance, connection, family, opportunity, strength" were some of the words used.

“Thank you to Glohaven for bringing us to be part of your Indigenous Showcase, and thank you to The Towne Theatre for holding space for a beautiful experience of reflection and action. What an honour to showcase our work with Coming Home so far! It feels amazing to have arrived at this night after much anticipation, and this is only one piece of the bigger picture” ~ The reGEN Impact Media Team

Indigenous Music, Art, Food, Wine & More!

A lively intermission with music by Duane Marchand and Robin Red Hawk added to the excitement of the evening, with their beautiful harmonies. Guests sampled Fresh Salsa from Salsational Salsa, Candied Salmon from Okanagan Nation Alliance - Okanagan Select , Bannock Bitz Kekuli Cafe , and selections from Indigenous World Winery !

"Thank you so much for a fantastic evening. I was so happy to see so many people there to support the Glohaven crew and to support our historic Towne Theatre. Your message is getting out, your efforts paying off and from my perspective it's making a great impact. Congratulations." ~ Duane Marchand

A special highlight of the evening was art by david wilson - Sookinakin Art!

Incredibly beaded creations from Wendy Chambers of WenCHWorks Studios were a huge hit and will make any wardrobe stand out this season.

And finally, there's APTN 's Bears Lair (Episode 2) winner, June Anthony-Reeves from Up the Hill at Loakin, where guests explored all things mindfulness--including self-care botanical products perfect to give as gifts.

“What a fabulous event series Glohaven and the Towne Theatre are creating. So much warmth, connection, learning, reciprocity......AND economic opportunity building for amazing vendors! Plus the "fillums" were awesome and inspiring.” ~ Jude Brunt | Purppl Impact Manager

Feature Film: “Portraits From a Fire”

The second film, "Portraits from the Fire" is a Canadian comedy-drama film directed by Trevor Mack. Inspired by his desire to tell an Indigenous story without colonialist themes or involvement with residential schools, as well as reclaiming the Tsilhqot'in language. This ‘fillum’ took us on one hilarious, yet emotional journey through the life of Tyler -a teenager living on the Tsilhqot?in reserve in Northern BC. Tyler spends his days filmmaking, vlogging his Indigenous community, and spending time with his grandparents. The unique portrayal of Tyler fighting through distorting realities as a family secret unravels, captivated the audience, making this a film to remember.

See you next month!

The October 4th Indigenous Showcase was an evening filled with great food, company, and entertainment! We are already looking forward to next month’s showcase! Get your tickets now for $11, and join us on November 1st at the Vernon Towne Theatre - more details coming soon!