Neighbours understand it is good to know each other. So it is with neighbouring communities.
People who live in both Powell River and Tla’amin (Sliammon) Nation have expressed interest in having more occasions to come together informally. Such an opportunity has been created by Converging Visions: listening, learning, understanding.
“This is an opportunity for members of both communities to come together and consider our ever-changing relationships with this place,” said event co-organizer Megan Dulcie-Dill. “We’ve got some incredible artists in the region, and their work that explores place will be featured at this event along with some of the amazing film and other creative works generated by local people, including filmmaker Claudia Medina. The intention is for all of us to have time to mingle with each other, reflect on these visual artefacts, and consider our relationships to the land and each other. It’s going to be a very experiential and interactive afternoon.”
In addition to multimedia art, there will be a short panel of intergenerational speakers, information shared by archaeologist Colleen Parsley about her significant findings regarding first nations land use, music by the Tla’amin singers and drummers, and refreshments.
As Tla’amin prepares for self-government, it is becoming increasingly important for all who live in the region to get to know each other better and “learn about Tla’amin’s past, present, future, and how we can all work together,” said Devin Pielle, another co-organizer of Converging Visions. “This event is one piece of that much bigger process.”
The event is co-hosted by Powell River Voices and Tla’amin, with support from various partners, including Malaspina Art Society. School District 47 is providing buses and drivers who will offer free transportation (limited capacity) starting at Town Centre Mall at 12:30 pm, stopping at The HUB 101 in Townsite and the Top of the Hill store in Wildwood. The reverse route will be available at the end of the event as well.
Converging Visions takes place at 1 pm on Saturday, June 14, at the Salish Centre in Tla’amin. Everyone of every age is invited to attend, with entry by donation.
For more information, readers can contact janet.newbury@gmail.com.
