Hornby Island sits in the traditional, unceded territory of the K’ómoks First Nation and Pentlatch Peoples. In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, Hornby Arts is dedicating the entire month of June towards highlighting programs which celebrate Indigenous art, culture and sovereignty.
Proceeds of Indigenous Peoples Month Programs will be put towards further Indigenous Connections programming as part of Hornby Arts’ continued effort in building relationships and reconciliation with the Indigenous inhabitants of this land.
Cultural Safety Training
Saturday June, 4: 2:00–5:00PM
Location: Room to Grow
Speaker: Elder Barb Whyte
Admission: Free
In this circle-format workshop, Elder Barb Whyte (Pentlatch) will lead discussion geared towards organizational staff and volunteers who may be working with or caring for Elders in upcoming events, as well as anticipated ongoing relationship-building events with Indigenous communities.
This workshop is open to all in the community who are interested. Includes refreshments and snacks. Max. 20 participants.
Sunday June 5: 11:00–2:00PM
Location: New Horizons
Speaker: Elder Barb Whyte
Admission: By Donation
In this circle-format workshop, Elder Barb Whyte (Pentlatch) will lead a discussion on Coast Salish Traditional Foods, identification, preparation, and the importance of restoring traditional plants through tea and plant medicine gardens.
Food being the name of the day, lunch will be a part of this program, including salmon chowder, sxwesum (indian ice cream) and teas.
During lunch we will also screen Traditional with a Twist featuring Elder Barb with Chef Qwustenuxun (Jared Williams, Cowichan).
Live in Concert: Kym Gouchie
Friday June 10: Doors 6:30 | 7:00PM Start
Location: The Hornby Community Hall
Kym Gouchie with Naomi Kavka
Admission: $25 | $20 with active Hornby Arts Membership
With ancestral roots in the Lheidli T’enneh, Cree and Secwépemc Nations, Kym Gouchie is fostering change through her music and art. Her music and storytelling bring awareness to First Nations and women’s issues, promoting reconciliation and community building while reminding us that we are all in this together. Her stories are a testament to the human spirit, weaving together threads of her own journey from personal tragedy to triumph.
Kym’s traditional hand drum, acoustic guitar, full-bodied voice and authentic storytelling make her a powerful force. She performs solo and creates various formations, bringing in amazing collaborators on vocal harmonies, cello, keys, mandolin, banjo and electric guitar. Indigenous-folk, and country tones alongside poignant and inspirational lyrics capture the hearts of young and old — her eloquent performances have a lasting impact on her audience, instilling a message and always uplifting. Throughout the pandemic, Kym has been called upon by organizations around the world to offer indigenous insight and act as a healing bridge, connecting hearts and minds for positive growth.
Screening: Tzouhalem (2021) with filmmaker Harold Joe
Monday June 20: Doors 5:30 | 6:00PM Start
Location: The Hornby Community Hall
Admission: $15 | $10 with active Hornby Arts Membership
Cowichan Chief Tzouhalem is arguably one of the most fascinating and polarizing figures in Canadian history. His story is a matter of historic record, yet is the subject of legend. There is a mountain, road, and other landmarks on Cowichan territory named after him.
This documentary, through interviews and creative re-enactments, examines the account of his life from both historians and First Nations Elders, the folkloric tales concerning him, his impact on the relationship between the Crown and First Nations, and how his legend remains alive, examining critically how his story has been told and passed down to us.
The Filmmaker Harold Joe and Director of Photography Gavin Andrews will be in attendance for Q+A after the screening.
Double Feature:
Bringing K'ómoks to Comox with Dr. Jesse Morin
Screening: Dust n'Bones (2021) with filmmaker Harold Joe
Tuesday June 21: Doors 2:30 | 3:00PM Start
Location: The Hornby Community Hall
Admission: $20 | $15 with active Hornby Arts Membership
Join us for this unique opportunity to hear from both Dr. Jesse Morin, K’ómoks First Nation archeological consultant, and Harold Joe, filmmaker and archeological consultant, present their experience and research about K’ómoks and Cowichan First Nations ancestral sites and the movement for artifact reclamation.
The afternoon begins with a presentation by Dr. Morin, Bringing K’ómoks to Comox, which highlights years of research into midden archeology in the Comox Valley district and beyond. With Harold Joe, Dr. Morin will discuss their experiences in contemporary archeology and open the floor to audience Q+A.
Dust n’ Bones is a documentary that examines the legal issues, political controversies and historic mysteries that threaten the preservation and rededication of First Nations artifacts, burial sites, and remains. Framed around the impending transfer of funerary artifacts from the Royal BC Museum to traditional Cowichan territory, these themes are realized through the POV of traditional former gravedigger, filmmaker and archaeology consultant HaroldJoe. Complimenting both the personal and professional journey of Harold are the perspectives of the archaeologists, Elders, professors, and museum curators he encounters through his work.
Building Bridges Through Understanding the Village©
*POSTPONED. Please contact [email protected] for program update*
Friday June 24: 9:00AM–4:30PM
Location: Hornby Community Hall
Led by Kathi Camilleri
Admission: $50 | $25 with active Hornby Arts Membership
During this experiential workshop participants explore their own, personal role in supporting the revival of the values that worked so beautifully in Indigenous villages for thousands of years. As a group, we also explore in‐depth the effects of Residential Schools and Canada’s Policy of Assimilation on Indigenous communities.
This workshop is geared to solutions rather than recrimination and is a great forum in which to ask questions. Participants in these often emotion-provoking workshop experiences comment that while they understood a bit about the issue on a cognitive level, after participation in Building Bridges Through Understanding the Village© they understand on a deep emotional level as well. The workshop is done from a non-blame and non-shame perspective and invites all participants to become a part of the healing that IS already happening.
A registered The day’s program will include a shared lunch.