Songhees Nation hosts South Island Powwow on Orange Shirt Day
Every Child Matters is a vital message on Truth and Reconciliation Day. (Angie Mindus photo - Williams Lake Tribune) The Songhees Nation is hosting the second-annual South Island Powwow with support from the City of Victoria.
The powwow takes place on Sept. 30 on the homelands of the Lekwungen people at Royal Athletic Park. Sept. 30 is a federal statutory holiday to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.
The powwow honours and recognizes survivors of residential and day schools and their families, the Sixties Scoop and the children who never made it home from these institutions. The powwow also celebrates Indigenous cultures and resiliency and brings people together in celebration to build bridges amongst all nations.
“The South Island Powwow has rekindled a piece of Songhees history, while providing a safe space for healing, education and understanding,” said Chief Ron Sam of the Songhees Nation, in a statement.
Local First Nations, along with nations from the mainland, have been welcomed to participate in the time-honoured powwow. Last year’s inaugural event attracted 10,000 people during the grand entry, with more people expected to attend this year.
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