“Welcome to our swiya” presented by hiwus, also known as Calvin Craigan, provides our community with an opportunity to learn about our shíshálh Nation neighbours, their history, struggles and aspirations in a uniquely Indigenous way. hiwus is a shíshálh elder, oral knowledge keeper, a hereditary chief of the shíshálh Nation and the youngest Indigenous chief ever elected in Canada. hiwus will tell us the story of the shíshálh people in four progressive storytelling sessions, each building on the last. The series is held over two weekends, on Saturday and Sunday.
This free series, to be held in the shíshálh Nation Longhouse, is open to everyone and all ages are invited.
“In the Beginning” will explain the history of the shíshálh people before contact with Europeans. It will include the history of hiwus’ family, his family lineage, the history of the shíshálh people, culture, language and way of successfully governing and sustaining themselves.
“Interference and Interruption” will describe how, over many decades, settler culture and ways of governing interrupted and interfered with the shíshálh people in very damaging ways.
“Struggle for Independence” will describe the shíshálh people’s efforts for independence, leading to becoming the first Indigenous nation in Canada to achieve self-governance.
“Vision for the Future” will describe the aspirations of the shíshálh people to live and work together with the settler community in ways that will benefit everyone.
Recent events have forced all of us to face the fact that reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is necessary. Education and personal connections are an obvious way to help achieve reconciliation.
Location: shíshálh Nation Longhouse, Monkey Tree Lane, Sechelt (bring a seatcushion).
Four sessions:
2 to 4 p.m., Sept. 10, 11
2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 24, 25
If you want to attend this series you must register: sunshinecoasteldercollege.ca/fall-2022
