The M’akola Housing Society is working with all 10 First Nations in Greater Victoria to host the Change Makers’ Gathering, an event to launch National Indigenous Peoples Week, June 17 at the Bear Mountain Resort.
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ culture and heritage.
The date was chosen because it corresponds to the summer solstice, a time when many generations of First Nations celebrated their culture and heritage.
M’akola is launching National Indigenous Peoples Week with the elders’ teaching: If you set the table, the lesson will come.
The event includes a day of social activities and an Indigenous-themed feast to recognize and celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations people.
“We hope people will come to make relationships that build into partnerships at the gathering,” said Charla Huber, director of communications and Indigenous relations at M’akola Housing Society. “The feast and clinics are a way to bring the future change-makers together. Everyone can make a difference.”
Social activities during the day include free sports clinics (golf, tennis and mountain-bike riding) and a swimming drop-in.
Coaches from Pacific FC soccer, Rugby Canada and Shamrocks lacrosse will be on hand.
As many as 1,000 Indigenous and non-Indigenous change-makers in the capital region are expected to attend, together with their families, to take part in the activities or share a meal and conversation.
The long tables will include chiefs, elders, Indigenous role models, politicians, business executives, non-profit-sector leaders, influential community members and the public.
They will be treated to an Indigenous-inspired feast, with a showcase of Indigenous art and traditional drumming, singing and dancing.
The Victoria Foundation is a major contributor to the evening event, said Huber.
“We appreciate their leadership and are grateful they saw the value in the event.”
The day’s events are free, but pre-registration is required. Activities run 2 to 5 p.m. June 17 at various venues.
Tickets to the evening feast are $78 for adults, $28 for children. It runs 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 17 at the Bear Mountain Resort, 1999 Country Club Way. For more information, go to makola.bc.ca or changemakersgathering.ca. — Pedro Arrais
