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Fair features fun and learning

Barriers fall as Interfaith fairgoers bridge beliefs
Fair features fun and learning

Dwight Hall was buzzing with conversation, laughter, music, dance and community spirit at the first-ever Interfaith Fair on Saturday, April 21.

More than 400 people attended the event which showcased 27 different faiths and belief systems, from atheism to Wicca and everything in between, that are found in Powell River. Some people arrived at the fair with skepticism about bringing diverse faiths together under one roof. Others arrived curious and interested to learn about their neighbours’ beliefs.

“We’re very pleased to hear the positive comments from participants,” said Evangeline MacDonald, coordinator.

“People had a good time, learned about different beliefs and enjoyed performances and demonstrations,” she said.

Presenters from churches and other groups as well as individuals set up tables with displays of books, brochures, symbols and significant materials representing their beliefs.

Planning the event took many months, said MacDonald. “We tried to have as many presenters as possible involved in the event planning,” she said. “We had volunteers stepping forward to do any number of tasks before and during the event. Volunteers, along with the assistant coordinator Lana Zral, made the event run smoothly.” Local merchants donated food and other supplies.

Elder Elsie Paul, Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation, officially opened the event and offered cedar-bough cleansing to participants during the fair. A demonstration of turban-tying, entertainment by the band from the Open Door Healing Centre, an open panel discussion, as well as a facilitated conversation called 12 Steps to Compassion, were featured throughout the day. Presenters and participants were led in dancing the hora representing Judaism, Free the Spirit representing first nations, and the Unity Dance representing world harmony and peace. Presenters joined hands and sang two songs to close the event.

“Respect, acceptance, appreciation and joy dominated the atmosphere in the hall,” said MacDonald.

Funding for the event was obtained from EmbraceBC and administered by Powell River Employment Program Society through Powell River Diversity Initiative (PRDI). For more information, readers can contact PRDI at 604.485.2675 or prdi@prepsociety.org.