Latest news with #AboriginalFriendshipCentre
CTV News
19 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Wet walkers brave the rain to Walk for Reconciliation
Confluence president Jennifer Thompson said the Walk for Reconciliation was on for Saturday despite heavy rain and wind. The Walk for Reconciliation took place Saturday morning despite the dreadful weather. Saturday morning, in a rainy, wet interview that took place near the Harry Hays building downtown, Confluence president Jennifer Thompson said that while the walk can be expected to draw upwards of 500 people on a sunny day, the figure would probably be less than half that Saturday. 'Still a couple hundred we're hoping for,' Thompson said. Torrential rain and high winds are forecast for Calgary throughout the day Saturday, with between 40 and 80 millimetres of rain expected to fall. It was the 16th annual Walk for Reconciliation on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Thompson said the walk was a tribute to those who endured much worse than a rainy Saturday. 'Even though the weather is bad, this isn't half as traumatic as what survivors experienced in residential schools,' she said. 'So we can endure the weather today and have the walk in honour of them.' Following the walk, Thompson said a gathering that was planned for The Confluence has been moved indoors. 'There will be free bagged lunch, as well as a program that has dancers, drummers and speakers,' she said. Thompson also paid tribute to the wet walkers who showed up to participate. 'We're so grateful for all the people who have come out today,' she said. 'We're thankful for the partners -- the Aboriginal Friendship Centre -- Trellis Society and The Confluence have working for years and years to make this (Walk for Reconciliation) happen.' For more about The Confluence, go here. The Confluence is also featuring an exhibit that showcases Blackfoot life and culture called Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life). Saturday, admission to The Confluence is free.
Hamilton Spectator
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
From the sidelines to the spotlight
I've been attending the vibrant and deeply cultural celebration of Hoobiyee (Nisga'a New Year) for nearly 20 years. But this year marked a special milestone — it was the first time I stepped out of the audience and into the spotlight as a performer. After years of watching others take part, I finally decided it was time. Not only was I eager to learn, but this experience felt long overdue. What gave me the final push to just 'do it' (as Arnie would say) and face my fears was the inspiration and support I received from my family. My grandson Ashton and daughter-in-law Audrey were both active in the dance practices leading up to Hoobiyee, and my son Clinton, offering his moral support, plans to get more involved in the years to come. Their enthusiasm reminded me that it's never too late to participate in the traditions that shape us. There's a deep sense of pride and joy that comes with being part of something so meaningful. I now find myself wondering what took me so long to get more involved. From creating my own regalia, to taking part in the Grand Entry, it was an incredible honour. This experience has set me on a new path — attending regular Monday night dance practices and eventually performing at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre on East Hastings Street. I'm excited for all that's to come. Hoobiyee is an annual celebration marking the Nisga'a New Year every February or March. Rooted in the traditional observation of the first crescent moon and the changing seasons, it's a time of renewal, abundance and community gathering. While I won't go into the full history here (there's so much richness to explore), I encourage you to find out for yourselves and maybe even attend one day. It is truly something special. In Vancouver, the 2025 Hoobiyee took place Feb. 28 and March 1 at the PNE Forum. Yvonne Mark (Nisga'a-Gitxsan) is a Megaphone vendor and member of The Shift peer newsroom. She has taken part in many creative writing and journalism workshops through Megaphone, and was featured in the 2021 Voices of the Street podcast. She is an outspoken advocate for the Downtown Eastside. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
