The Aboriginal Newspaper of British
Columbia & Yukon
Top News - May -2002
Published May 15, 2002
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Photo by Troy Hunter |
Elementary schools treated to HahoPayuk performance
Bluesky best in traditional danceThis is only a partial listing of the stories featured in the May 2002 issue of Raven's Eye. If you are not receiving your own copy of Raven's Eye, then you have missed out on a lot.
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Elders' conferenceRaven's Eye Staff
In July, several thousand First Nations Elders will converge on Victoria for the 26th annual Aboriginal Elders' conference.
The theme for the three-day event is Spiritual Unity; it aims "to improve the mental, physical and spiritual health of all First Nations Elders and community members," while passing on their teachings, according to Aboriginal Resource Committee chairman, Frazer Smith.
The resource committee is hosting the event July 9 to 11 at the Central Saanichton Fairgrounds.
Opening ceremonies will commence with a parade of nations and a march by Aboriginal veterans.
A highlight of the conference will be developmental and healing workshops delivered by guest speakers from not only First Nations, but other Indigenous cultures of New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, Mexico and India.
The conference's goals include giving Elders a forum to improve their lives as older people, and give them the opportunity to be with their peers to deal with old traumas such as the residential school experience and isolation or loneliness. Equally, it will provide an opportunity for them to share their knowledge and wisdom with others.
Seminars and workshops, information booths, fashion shows, giveaways, art auctions and arts and crafts booths are all part of the varied attractions.
For more information, contact Frazer Smith at (250) 544-1667 or cell 360-6591.
Elementary schools treated to HahoPayuk performance
David Wiwchar, Raven's Eye Writer, Port Alberni
Several Alberni area elementary schools' children poured out of buses and into the Tseshaht longhouse April 22 to witness a cultural celebration by HahoPayuk students.
Students from Eighth Ave, Wood, Gill and Redford elementary schools filled the longhouse to watch HahoPayuk's presentation of the animal kingdom story. The play, based on a story by Dr. George Clutesi, has become a favorite of audiences throughout the province as the students have been invited to perform it at many conferences and gatherings, and are currently fundraising to perform the play on Haida Gwaii at the opening of a new museum and community complex in Skidegate.
HahoPayuk cultural instructor Jessie Stephens introduced Tseshaht spokesman Dave Watts Sr., who welcomed the visiting students into Tseshaht Territory.
"We're happy to welcome you into our territory and into our longhouse, and show you a bit of our culture," said Watts, before being presented with a blanket from HahoPayuk School.
Stephens then introduced Qui quis top sup, and told the story of how he brought animals and birds to Nuu-chah-nulth-aht. Through Qui quis top sup, she introduced the sun, moon, wolf, bear, eagle, thunderbird, cougar, raven, wren, duck and hummingbirds.
"50 years ago, the government lifted the 67-year-old potlatch ban," said Stephens.
"Today you will see things that were hidden for many years as we bring out 11 animals and 15 masks and hear songs sung by our seven drummers and singers," she said.
After the performance, Nuu-chah-nulth education worker Diane Gallic thanked the HahoPayuk students and teachers for sharing the performance with students from the area, adding that the event kicks off the arts and culture week for Eighth Ave. and Wood elementary schools.
Bluesky best in traditional danceTroy Hunter, Raven's Eye Writer, Albuquerque NM
University of Victoria law student Kinwa Bluesky competed in the Miss Indian World contest last month and was chosen as the runner-up. For Bluesky, the best part of the contest was the fact that she participated.
When Bluesky was 11 years old, her mother Janet Kaponicin brought her to the Gathering of Nations Powwow where they watched the Miss Indian World contest. Kaponicin said, "she was so impressed at the Miss Indian World that she said, 'When I grow up, I'm going to come back here'."
Bluesky had told her mom that she was going to be a lawyer when she was eight years old. She is now attending law school at the University of Victoria. When she was 11, she told her mom that she wanted to compete for Miss Indian World. Kaponicin added, "I am so proud of her."
There were 24 Native women competing against one another for the title of Miss Indian World. Canada had four representatives. The title of Miss Indian World went to Tia Smith who is from the Cayuga Wolf Clan, Six Nations reserve in Ontario. Marion William also competed for the title and she is from the Nemiah Valley in British Columbia. Jill Kitiganzibi from Quebec was another contestant. From the North-West Coast, Courtney Farrell of the Tahltan Nation in Fairbanks, Alaska competed, and she won a four-day cruise to the Bahamas.
During the contest Bluesky said, "We haven't seen each other perform; it is a mystery amongst the contestants who the next Miss Indian World will be."
There were 25 judges. Each of the participants had to go through personal interviews, then they had to perform at talent night and finally they went through a dance competition.
Bluesky said, "We didn't see each other's performances and the dance competition was a powwow song, which really wasn't helpful for traditional Coastal dancers or the traditional Mohawk dancer. Some are professional powwow dancers, others aren't."
It was a challenge for Bluesky to get to Albuquerque to compete. She said, "Most of the girls are a Miss Indian Princess and they are already sponsored." She added that Miss Delaware had a chartered jet plane for her family to attend the event. Bluesky was able to raise sufficient funds by selling raffle tickets of her artwork. She drove to Albuquerque from Victoria with her friend Renee Racette who also is a law student at UVIC. Racette competed in the fancy dance competition. Bluesky was chosen as the runner-up to Miss Indian World because she put on the best traditional performance.
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