Two generations of artists from the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation performed at Douglas College today to explore cultural continuity and resilience in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
Presented in partnership with the Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM), Resilience and Reconciliation Through the Arts featured live performances by Latash-Maurice Nahanee, a visual artist, storyteller, cultural educator and traditional performer, and Mandy Nahanee-Campbell (Lady Sinncere), a hip-hop artist and cultural performer who blends Indigenous storytelling with contemporary music.
"Working with Indigenous artists has helped shape SoM’s approach to learning, teaching and being together in community" says Andrea Unrau, Director of Programming, SoM. "We are excited that these amazing artists had the opportunity to share their practices and perspectives with the Douglas College community."
The artists led a panel discussion sharing their lived experiences as Indigenous artists. They highlighted the role of the arts in cultural resurgence and how Indigenous communities can use creative expression to support healing and cultural connection. Following the panel, they shared traditional songs and a screening of Lady Sinncere’s music video, “How We Rise”.
“Providing opportunities to centre Indigenous voices is part of the College’s responsibility to support reconciliation” says Patty Hambler, Associate Vice President Student Affairs. “This event allows us to come together to recognize and learn about the intergenerational healing that is taking place in Indigenous communities.”
Participants were invited to listen, reflect and consider their own responsibilities regarding Truth and Reconciliation as part of their ongoing learning journey.
“This event reinforces our individual and community responsibility to advance Truth and Reconciliation in tangible ways” says Lisa Campbell, Human Resources Manager. “Participants were encouraged to reflect on the resilience, strength and culture of Indigenous Peoples, seek out Indigenous voices, and consider their own role in advancing Truth and Reconciliation.”
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Contact
Maryam Labani
Communications Advisor
labanimotlaghm@douglascollege.ca
604 306 2050
About Douglas College
Douglas College is the largest college in B.C., combining the academic foundations of a university and the employer-ready skills of a college to graduate resilient global citizens who adapt, innovate and lead in a changing world.
Douglas College respectfully acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), scəw̓aθən (Tsawwassen) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples.
For more information, visit douglascollege.ca