On Sept. 26, the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre and Cari Burdett present Nuts’a’maat Shqwaluwun: One Heart, One Mind an inter-generational performance rooted in Reconcili-Action and cultural truth-telling in support of BC Culture Days; a province-wide initiative that encourages the discovery of the rich and diverse cultural artists and programs from Sept. 19 to Oct.12.
Doors will open at 6 p.m., just before all the Reconcili-Action takes the CPAC stage at 6:30 p.m., as it brings together Indigenous and settler artists, Elders, youth, musicians, dancers, and storytellers in an evening of music, movement, and improvisation. A community talk on racism and reconciliation will be led by Elder Qwiyahwultu’hw (Robert George).
Other speakers for the all-ages event include T’uwahwiye’ (Philomena Williams) and Tsulhwuletse (John George). There will be many cultural and cross-discipline artists such as Pow Wow Little Raven and friends; the Tzinquaw Dancers, Drummers and Singers; the Cowichan Spirit Drummers; PINDIN (Indigenous hip-hop artist); Alex McCallum; Quw'utsun Smuneem Children’s Drum & Dance Group; Quwut’sun Indigenous Vocalists: Peye’tunaat thuna (Lyla Harman), Kwustunaat (Roberta V. Charlie), Quaysultunaat (Randeana Jack) and Dylan George-James; Ruth Levin from Western Contemporary Dance; and musicians Adam Dobres, Dann Lapp, Scott White, Adrian Dolan, and Cari Burdett. In addition there will also be performances from Lila Music and Nature Centre Community Choir, École Cobble Hill Choir, Shawnigan Lake Montessori School with Stephanie Pickering, as well as the Alexander School Drum and Dance Group which will be led by Elder Qwiyahwultu’hw (Robert George).
Nuts’a’maat Shqwaluwun has grown through a series of workshops, performances, and creative gatherings. Each offering is shaped by the people involved — Elders, youth, dancers, musicians, educators, and knowledge keepers — and is rooted in the principle that art is a vehicle for truth-telling, healing, and relationship-building. This free event event will be accepting donations which will all go towards local reconciliation efforts through non-profits.
Burdett said she's thankful for the support, partnership and co production from the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, as well as the partnership and support from the Koksilah Music, Quwut’sun Cultural Connections and Cowichan Cultural Connections, B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund, and the British Columbia Arts Council.
For more information on Nuts’a’maat Shqwaluwun: One Heart, One Mind visit cariburdett.com/reconciliaction/. Those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance which can be done by calling 250-746-2722 or by visiting the Ticket Centre in person located in Duncan at 2687 James St. Tickets can also be purchased online at cowichanpac.ca. To learn more on other free BC Culture Day events happening in the Cowichan Valley region until Oct. 12 visit www.culturedays.ca.
