The Story of Indigenous culture
Its importance during difficult times
The Indigenous perspective on pandemic dialogue
This program aims to bring attention to Indigenous experience and knowledge that has not currently been utilized to its capacity and shared multiculturally, to work through the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to Western perspectives, coping and healing through trauma needs holistic solutions. The program provides an opportunity for Indigenous individuals and communities impacted by COVID-19, to explore (through workshops) and then share (through the celebration event at the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA)) their experiences, stories, perspectives and contributions with the general public. It creates a space where Indigenous context and narrative for pandemics are recognized, shared, and celebrated through thoughtful dialogue and performance. (Photo source: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout)
The Indigenous Resilience Festival will take place at the Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna, BC . This day-long festival presents an opportunity for registered performers; Indigenous Elders, youth, leaders and entrepreneurs to share personal stories and experiences, expanding on Indigenous traditional storytelling and knowledge. These presentations will include identifying and sharing resilience stories from various Indigenous perspectives, including how Indigenous businesses have been impacted and recovered from the effects of the pandemic.
The event will have full media coverage for presenters to share and contribute media to their Electronic Press Kit or Resume. There will also be tables outside the theatre for participants to sell physical merchandise and showcase products, websites, art, etc.
(Photo source: Indigenous Tourism BC)
The Celebration of Indigenous Cultural Resilience program is a Rotary Centre for the Arts outreach and engagement initiative in partnership with the University Victoria Gustavson School of Business (GSB). Presenters in this program have participated in virtual workshops. Led by GSB and informed by the National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development (NCEID), the workshops developed Indigenous performances, including storytelling, drumming, song, and dance, about Indigenous cultural resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic. The workshops held in the winter of 2023 will culminate in Part B, a day-long celebratory public festival at the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA) in Kelowna, BC, on March 26, 2023 in an impactful demonstration of Indigenous culture. All Indigenous participants will present their learnings and concepts developed from the workshops at the festival. The event will be open to the general public to celebrate Indigenous culture preservation and narratives. (Photo source: Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre/Blake Jorgensen)
Rotary Centre for the Arts is a multidisciplinary visual and performing arts centre located in the cultural district of Kelowna, BC. In addition to encouraging participation in and appreciation of the arts, it strives to improve the community's economic, cultural and social quality of life. Kelowna is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the syilx/Okanagan people who have resided there since time immemorial.
Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Ave., Kelowna, British Columbia V1Y 2A2, Canada
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