First Nation's pride and talent is alive and well on the Sunshine Coast as evidenced by the cultural feast at Raven's Cry Theatre on Oct. 9. The day marked the 20th anniversary of self-government for the Sechelt Indian Band. And what a way to celebrate!
The evening began with a short documentary film by Melina Laboucan-Massimo. The young woman is from northern Alberta First Nations. She's a graduate of the University of Alberta with a degree in sociology. This is her first foray into the media industry, but if first impressions are true, it certainly won't be her last.
The film dealt with First Nations issues in Vancouver and the difficulty for young Aboriginal people to find a voice. The movie, called Redwire Productions: Beneath the Surface, examined the magazine Redwire available throughout the Lower Mainland. If you have the chance to view the documentary, do so - the raw talent is amazing.
Next in the evening's events was the dance and singers of Xwamtsut, the ambassadors of the Sechelt people. The group is composed of children and adults under the leadership of Andy Johnson. The music and dancing are getting better and better with every show. Johnson has been instrumental, along with the SIB elders, in reviving the Sechelt language, shashishalhem. The children looked spectacular dancing in their red and black regalia. Many of the dancers wore headbands fashioned by Band cultural co-ordinator Dionne Paul. The drummers and singers, including the precocious three-year-old Nanika Paul, made the music come alive.
To top off the night there was a fashion show to end all fashion shows. The talent displayed was amazing. Everything from weaving in the centuries-old style to hip, modern dance dresses was modelled. Not only was there clothing spanning the spectrum from traditional button vests and capes to strapless wedding dresses, but every human size and shape was well represented too. From wee babes to husky fellows, there was adornment aplenty.
Many crafts people were represented at the show. Andy Johnson, Rita Poulsen and Fran Nahanee demonstrated some excellent weaving techniques. The wraps have stood well the test of time. The most prolific talents displayed came from the hands of Carlene Joe and Greta Picard. Joe's clothing was primarily black and red. She had everything from vests for her little granddaughter Nanika to a sexy black dress that Grandma had fun showing off a bit of leg with. Joe often trims her clothing with abalone buttons or black, red, yellow and white buttons signifying co-operation of the races. Her beautiful capes with their appliquéed backs are works of art.
Picard is very much a dress designer. Her items ranged from a stunning woman's red suit done in a 1930s style to an avant-garde evening dress in purple and gold. She appears to love colour and uses it to great advantage in her creations. A retail store for these fashions would be a wonderful asset for the Coast.
