Pacific Peoples' Partnership

Connecting Indigenous and Pacific Peoples

Stories of Resilience Update

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Stories of Resilience was initially conceived in the summer of 2020 but began in January of this year. A cohort of 7 talented Indigenous and South Pacific youth were selected to participate in our novel arts and culture training program. This program was inspired by the current challenges presenting themselves as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic and is intended to inspire and restore links between individuals and communities. The program is designed to help elevate and highlight the connection between Indigenous communities and traditional knowledge and cultural teachings through invigorating art and multimedia work. The team is now in the final editing stages of a documentary that will be available soon – so stay tuned to our channels! 

Here are some words from our participants:

The Stories of Resilience program has most importantly given me the chance and confidence to create on my own terms. Having the resources and support to explore what is important is a rare opportunity for any group, let alone Indigenous peoples, so to be able to freely work with the support of PPP is incredible.  As I’m working with the medium of film largely for the first time, I’ve been learning a great deal about the process, something I hope will be realized in full in our final film project.

Benjamin Mulchinock

Working with the Stories of Resilience project has been a very eye-opening experience. It’s a delicate protocol to be a part of a platform that’s created to share other people’s stories. It’s always been, and always will be a sacred time when our people share a part of their story, especially the survivors of intergenerational trauma. When we ask questions like “what has kept you strong through difficult times?” It could be triggering, as well as grounding. We’ve always been so careful with our words, as our teachings have always been orally passed down. Thank you Pacific Peoples’ Partnership for creating such a meaningful project for Indigenous youth to be a part of.

Tana Thomas

Starting the project with interviewing elders of the community has shed some colorful experiences. I wasn’t confident but with the positive energy of the group, my mind has been opened to trying new things such as building upon my people and computer skills which are big steps. Interviewing elders was such a great experience. I will hold those great memories such as seeing them smile and laugh. My objective for the project is to bring honour and to keep the stories of the past going.

Edward George Jr.

March 2021 Featured Partner

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Pacific Peoples’ Partnership acknowledges the Province of British Columbia and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training for its support. 

Our youth and Indigenous-led, Stories of Resilience Program is proudly funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement. We are incredibly grateful that they have provided PPP with these critical funds to support the work of these emerging leaders, artists and storytellers. COVID-19 has brought about many challenges, and Stories of Resilience aims to inspire and equip talented Indigenous youth with critical technical and soft-skills whilst also giving back to their community and elevating Indigenous stories. 

PPP is deeply grateful for the opportunity and the support provided by the BC program staff as we continue working on the Stories of Resilience. For more information on this funding please visit their webpage at: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/Community-Workforce-Response-Grant.aspx

Pacific Peoples’ Partnership Continues to #GoForTheGoals

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International Development Week (IDW) provides the Canadian community an opportunity to engage with global issues and acknowledge the contributions Canadian organizations make in poverty reduction and international development work. Pacific Peoples’ Partnership is proud to continue to support the aspirations of Indigenous and South Pacific Peoples’ and to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We firmly believe that our work in elevating and empowering Indigenous voices and traditions, building resiliency at the community-level, and advocating for human rights is fundamentally linked with the global goals and we are honoured to build on this work. 

2020 brought about unprecedented challenges that pushed all of us to slow down and to think creatively. Even high-income countries such as Canada experienced considerable impacts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic which ranged from nationwide economic recessions to individual mental health challenges. The pandemic has also exacerbated many problems in Indigenous communities in Canada, as remote nations especially struggle to provide their people with employment while safeguarding their health. We continue to work and support these communities, particularly when it comes to advocating for their right t0 self-determined development and territorial rights.

Alongside the impacts of the current pandemic, our partners, friends, brothers, and sisters in the South Pacific continue to face the challenges of climate change with South Pacific countries bearing the brunt of global warming’s associated impacts such as the devastating cyclone ‘Yasa’ which landed in Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga just a few short months ago leaving many without homes and millions of dollars in damage across the island. For many of these countries, the notion of ‘building back better’ is daunting, and achieving the SDGs has proven to be exceedingly difficult. Many of these communities have the capacity to adapt to climate change using their own knowledge and capacities but have been systematically prevented from doing so. Our Pacific Resilience Fund is transforming into an Indigenous-led fund with the intention of moving away from a charity-based model and toward providing communities with decision making power to utilize funds in ways that they see best. The PRF is intended to build resilience in Pacific Island communities as they define it, while ultimately supporting the livelihoods and adaptation measures of Pacific communities facing the dual challenges of climate change and covid-19, which in turn will catalyze empowerment, self-determination, and fit-for-purpose projects. The fund is currently working with communities in Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Vanuatu, Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. You can learn more about the PRF and donate here.

We also continue to work in partnership with local Indigenous communities by providing innovative programming, leadership opportunities, and exhibitions of the arts and cultural work. Our annual OneWave Gathering was held this year in partnership with Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and despite the challenges presented by the Pandemic, PPP was able to deliver some truly inspiring and empowering programs. We were also successful in attaining government funding for a novel program titled ‘Stories of Resilience’ which is ongoing. Stories of Resilience is providing 8 Indigenous and South Pacific youth the opportunity to create and curate a series of multimedia pieces that will explore the lived realities of Indigenous communities. We are tremendously excited to see what they will create – so stay tuned here.

As part of our strategy to #GoForTheGoals we will be holding two virtual summits, one in early March that will focus on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and our related programming, as well as another with the date TBA on West Papua and the ongoing human rights violations in the region.

While we are not holding any events during IDW, our longtime partners and friends at the Victoria International Development Education Association (VIDEA) and the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC) are both hosting a range of virtual events. Please take a look at their great offerings in the next few weeks.

One Wave Gathering 2020 Meets Pandemic Challenges

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By Jaimie Sumner, PPP Operations Coordinator and One Wave Program Coordinator

Over the last decade, One Wave has grown into a much-anticipated annual event here in Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ territories, with big crowds gathering in downtown Victoria for Indigenous and South Pacific art, music, food, and dialogues.  With the Covid-19 pandemic demanding many changes, we got creative with new ways to gather safely – for instance, planning many smaller events, taking programs online, and holding events outside.  It has been great to work with partners to offer free cultural programs, bring Pacific communities together, and share stories from Indigenous and Pacific perspectives.  This year we held nine public events, with one still to come!

Bradley Dick’s Territorial welcome at the One Wave ceremony, with PPP President, Muavae Va’a.

Our Opening Ceremony took place at Songhees Point on September 3 with a territorial welcome by Bradley Dick and opening words from PPP’s President, Muavae Va’a and Executive Director April Ingham.  We hold up our hands to Bradley for honouring our gathering this year with his welcome, sharing of knowledge, and powerful song and to Mua for his opening words in Samoan and English.  It was a sunny day near the water, and where we stood with Bradley was steps away from a beautiful cedar spindle whorl designed by his father Butch Dick, one of the seven Signs of Lekwungen.  The location, Songhees Point or PAH-lu-tsuss in Lekwungen, is an important site to Songhees and Esquimalt people.  It was meaningful to open our One Wave events on a special Lekwungen site on the shores of the Pacific Ocean that connects us North and South.

Later on that day, we opened our Together / As One exhibit at MediaNet’s FLUX Gallery.  On select days from September 3-18, the gallery came alive with costumes and songs from the youth opera Flight of the Hummingbird based on Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas’ Haida manga, as well as set-pieces and footage from the theatrical production of Peace Dancer by Roy Henry Vickers. 

Flight of the Hummingbird performers with Pacific Opera Victoria and Opera Vancouver.

This opera is the story of a brave hummingbird taking on a forest fire, while Peace Dancer is the story of a big flood descending on a community after the village’s children mistreat a crow.  These compelling, artfully presented stories that encourage each of us to take action to make a difference, like the little hummingbird, and ensure we treat all living beings with respect.  Flight of the Hummingbird was produced by Pacific Opera Victoria and Opera Vancouver, and Peace Dancer was a collaboration between Theatre Inconnu, Story Theatre, and Puppets for Peace along with Roy Henry Vickers and a community cast.  Complementing these two features were Pacific cultural items from PPP’s collection, along with short films on PPP’s work by youth multimedia makers and a special short on Fijian masi (bark cloth) from UBC Curator Carol Mayer.  Visitors to the gallery were also invited to share their thoughts on the guiding themes of this year’s One Wave:  resilience and allyship.

Our next public offering was the outdoor KAIROS Blanket Exercise.  More than 20 participants braved the weather under tents at Royal Athletic Park to take part in this interactive workshop about Indigenous history.  Facilitating the exercise were Muavae Va’a and his wife Marie Va’a from Tsartlip First Nation, facilitator Linda Flynn, and Tsartlip elder Judy Bartleman.  The facilitators did a great job of adapting the exercise to keep everyone safe and socially distanced and bring Canada’s difficult Indigenous history to life.  In the circle at the end, participants shared that they were deeply moved and eager to help bring this knowledge forward.

WildFlowers Drum Group at Orange Shirt Day Market. Credit: Jesse Holland

Then, on September 30, One Wave hosted the Orange Shirt Day First Nations Market & Mural at Royal Beach in Colwood in partnership with Songhees & Esquimalt Nations and Royal Beach.  This event was part of the Orange Shirt Day movement across Canada to honour all who went through the horror of residential schools and reaffirm that “Every Child Matters.”  It was an amazing, sunny day with art by Indigenous makers, songs from the WildFlowers girls’ drum group, Tongan dance by Ruby Kafalava, and bannock from Songhees Catering. 

To open this Orange Shirt Day event, Florence Dick shared opening words and her grandson Darwyn Seaweed did a territorial welcome.  Local artists Brianna Bear and Margaret August facilitated the mural, inviting community members to add a handprint and messages of love for residential school survivors.  We are grateful to Florence Dick for her guidance in arranging this beautiful day and Sara from Royal Beach for all the event planning support. 

During September, we also held several youth workshops.  Local youths had a chance to learn from Cowichan artist Stella Johnny and help out in the Tsawout Learning Garden with Tiffany Joseph.  Footage from these small group workshops will be released on social media this December.  A group of South Pacific and Indigenous youth committee also started plans for a community storytelling project to be announced soon!

Usually, One Wave wraps up in September, but this year we reached the end of September with lots more to offer!  This is mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as we found that each event took hours of extra planning.  The pandemic also meant we had to set attendance limits, making our free events less accessible than usual.  By the end of the month, we had plans still in the making with several Indigenous and Pacific artists, speakers, and partners and decided to extend One Wave, offering our remaining events online so that more people could enjoy them.

Pacific Story & Song storyteller Erin Blondeau

The first of these online events was Pacific Story & Song, an evening of Pacific arts and culture live-streamed by Sunset Labs on October 15.  Sharing stories at the event were Sḵx̱wu7mesh / W̱SÁNEĆ storyteller Tiffany Joseph, Métis storyteller Erin Blondeau, and Polynesian actress Rena Owen (Once Were Warriors, Star Wars, Siren).  The evening also featured live songs by Stz’uminus singer-songwriter Nate Harris from his upcoming album Precious You, PPP President Muavae Va’a, and local Hawaiian performer Anela Kahiamoe, as well as a song by Khu.éex’ centering on a story told by Tlingit / Iñupiaq / Paiute / Kaigani Haida vocalist Nahaan.  Thank you to all the presenters for your cultural sharings and to our special guest Rena Owen for making time from across the Pacific to speak about your journey and encourage each of us on our own.  Our recording of Pacific Story & Song will be released soon on social media.

Next up in the virtual space was our Together / As One Film Festival from October 23 to November 24.  Thank you to local Coast Salish filmmaker Steven Davies for putting together this powerful program of Pacific-based Indigenous features and shorts!  Our two opening films were Feature Film Vai by nine female South Pacific filmmakers, and the National Film Board short Now is The Time about Haida carver Robert Davidson and his reclamation of cultural traditions.  We then featured 6 films from Aotearoa, Haida Gwaii, Australia, and Kapuivik.  While the free viewing period for most of these films is over, we encourage you to check out our Film Festival webpage for some great films to add to your list or order at your local library!

Virtual Feast Panelist Tiffany Joseph

A final unique online One Wave event was called A Virtual Feast: Honouring and Revitalizing Indigenous Food Systems.  This was an interactive panel and film premier on Indigenous food sovereignty co-organized with our partners at the University of Victoria Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE).  We had more than 100 participants registered for the online event!  The dialogue was hosted by Lisa Kenoras and Jeff Corntassel with a traditional Lekwungen welcome by Brianna Dick.  The Virtual Feast fed us all with presentations by local Indigenous knowledge holders, Tiffany Joseph and Cheryl Bryce, and Papua New Guinean cultural TV producer, Jennifer Baing-Waiko, as well as a premier of CIRCLE’s new short film Rising Tides which you can find on our Vimeo here.

And that’s a wrap… almost!  We have one more One Wave event we hope to present this winter, the raising of the Pacific Peace Post at Macaulay Point, a beautifully carved house post by local Lekwungen carver Bradley Dick and Solomon Islands carver Ake Lianga.  We hope to see the Peace Post go up in early January — watch our social media channels for news!

Ake Lianga and Bradley Dick carving the Pacific Peace Post.

We were thrilled to offer a bountiful One Wave 2020 program in spite of the pandemic, making space for Pacific cultural sharing while offering paid opportunities for local artists and Indigenous knowledge keepers. To the volunteers who came with open hearts; to the artists and speakers who shared at One Wave events; to our amazing partners and funders who worked with us to make it happen; to the participants who came ready to learn and share; and to our team who pulled together in this challenging year  – thank you, thank you, thank you. 

Our programming partners for One Wave Gathering 2020 were Songhees Nation, Esquimalt Nation, MediaNet Flux Gallery, CIRCLE at UVIC, Theatre Inconnu, Puppets for Peace, Story Theatre, Pacific Opera Victoria, Vancouver Opera, and Royal Beach.  Thank you for helping design inspiring programs enjoyed by so many.

Key funders and contributors were Canadian Heritage, BC Arts Council, Government of Canada, Province of BC, CRD, City of Victoria, Township of Esquimalt, City of Colwood, CTV / CFAX, Rika Design, Peppers Foods, Royal Scot Hotel & Suites, Metropol, The Sign Pad, Black Press Media, and Sunset Labs.  Your contributions were crucial to the success of our One Wave Gathering.

One Wave 2020

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One Wave is Back in September … with many Online and In-Person Events!

By Jaimie Sumner, PPP Operations Coordinator & One Wave Program Coordinator

It’s September, and our 13th annual One Wave Gathering is once again brightening the streets of Victoria, BC in beautiful Lekwungen territories!  One Wave is a free, family-friendly celebration of Pacific Island and Indigenous cultures organized by Pacific Peoples’ Partnership each year.  This year’s gathering is focused on the themes of resilience and allyship and will feature arts and culture events including Indigenous opera, digital media, theatre, film, workshops, and more.

Pearls of the South Pacific Dancers at One Wave 2018. Credit: Heather Tuft

In these challenging times, we feel it is more important than ever to make space for cultural connection and learning.  While we need to take precautions to keep each other safe, it is vital that we find ways to share special moments, listen to each other, and engage with the issues facing the Pacific.  From Samoa to T’Sou-ke, from Viti Levu to Lekwungen territory, Pacific communities are working to preserve and revitalize culture, pass on knowledge, and ensure a healthy future for all.  At One Wave, we invite people from all backgrounds into the circle to hear these stories, be inspired, and find ways to move forward together.

Our team has worked extra hard this year to create safe ways to come together.  This year, we are offering a robust online program as well as a few in-person events within the safe protocols of social distancing.

Read on for some highlights you can expect at One Wave this month.  Some of our events will not be announced in advance, so join us on Facebook and check out our website to avoid missing out!  

 A colorful theatrical performance accompanies Indigenous author, Roy Henry Vickers, as he reads from his children’s book Peace Dancer. Credit: Tony Sprackett

Together / As One – Sept. 3-18 at FLUX Gallery 821 Fort St.

Visit the gallery and witness powerful Indigenous and Pacific stories woven together in Together / As One, an exciting digital media and art exhibit.  Watch carvings and masi cloths take shape and collective stories come alive in this display of cultural objects and films by local and international artists. Featured works include Roy Henry Vickers’ Peace Dancer (Theatre Inconnu, Story Theatre, Puppets for Peace) and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas’ Flight of the Hummingbird (Pacific Opera/Opera Vancouver).   You are welcome to visit Tuesday – Friday between 12-5pm and walk through the exhibit in groups of 6 or less.  We will provide visitors with masks and social distancing instructions to ensure a safe space for all.

Flight of the Hummingbird performers with Pacific Opera Victoria and Opera Vancouver

KAIROS Blanket Exercise – 9:30am, Sat, Sept. 26 at Royal Athletic Park *Sign up on EventBrite to reserve your spot.

Deepen your understanding of allyship, reconciliation, and Indigenous history in Canada through an interactive history lesson called the Blanket Exercise.  During the exercise, participants will accompany facilitators on a journey through Indigenous history in Canada, spanning pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization, and resistance.  Blankets laid out on the ground will provide a visual guide to the history lesson as participants walk through a set of interactive exercises that bring history to life.  Attendance is limited, so reserve your space now on EventBrite and visit the KAIROS website to learn more.

During the Blanket Exercise, blankets laid out on the ground symbolize Indigenous territories

Rising Tides 

Tune in online for a new film on Indigenous food sovereignty and climate justice by the Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE).  Rising Tides is locally produced and features knowledge-sharing and ideas for action shared by Erynne Gilpin, Jeff Corntassel, Peruzzo Andrade, Cheryl Bryce, Beangka Elliot, and April Ingham.

Pacific Peace House Post

A momentous event this year will be the installation of the Pacific Peace Post, a symbolic house post carved by local Lekwungen and Solomon Islands carvers Bradley Dick and Ake Lianga. The Pacific Peace Post will overlook the waters at Macaulay Point and stand as a symbol of peace and connection between Pacific peoples.  Watch for the unveiling in late September!

Carvers Bradley Dick and Ake Lianga working on the Pacific Peace House Post

Films, Pop-ups, Workshops & More!

Join our Facebook or visit our website for a full listing of events.  We have lots more exciting programming in the works this month, including online feature films, pop-up music and dance, workshops on topics from slam poetry to weaving, and maybe even a drive-in theatre.

We hope to see old friends and new as we gather once more – in person and online – for a powerful program of Pacific stories, songs, and speakers.

If you are interested in volunteering, there may still be an opportunity!  For more information, get in touch with us at: operations@archive.pacificpeoplespartnership.org.

One Wave Gathering is held on Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ territory and made possible with the consent and consultations by hereditary and elected leaders, elders, youths, artists and community members.

Our amazing partners for One Wave 2020 include Songhees Nation, Esquimalt Nation, MediaNet FLUX Gallery, CIRCLE (Centre for Indigenous Research and Community Led Engagement at UVIC), Theatre Inconnu, Puppets for Peace, Story Theatre, Pacific Opera Victoria, Vancouver Opera,  City of Victoria, Township of Esquimalt, the Government of Canada, the Province of BC, Canadian Heritage, British Columbia Art Council, Capital Regional District, CTV / CFAX, and Rika Design.

Pasifik Pulse: COVID-19 In the Pacific

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COVID-19 in the Pacific and a Concert to Unite

Prepared by Andy E. Nystrom, PPP Archivist & Research Assistant

A universal truth in 2020 is that everyone has to deal with COVID-19 in some form or another, even if you live in one of the few locations left in the world with no cases. Although remote, many areas in the Pacific Islands have been hit with the virus. According to Worldometer on August 21, 2020, COVID-19 cases in the South Pacific include (Total Cases/Total Deaths/Total Active Cases; see the site for more stats): Indonesia (149,408/6,500/39,917), Australia (24,407/472/5,475), New Zealand (1,665/22/105), Papua New Guinea (361/4/159), French Polynesia (211/0/143), Fiji (28/1/7), Timor-Leste (25/0/0), New Caledonia (23/0/1). Worldometer tracks US states and territories separately; among those in the Pacific are: Hawaii (5,844/45/3,768), Guam (767/6/379), and Northern Mariana Islands (54/2/33).

While some regions of the Pacific have indeed avoided the direct impacts of the virus, the entire region is facing hardship due to the virus. According to Pacific Islands Forum secretary general Dame Meg Taylor in a recent Guardian article, “Covid-19 has exposed and exacerbated systemic and structural imbalances in our systems and societies, underlining the urgency for decisive policy action… If I look at this from what’s happening within communities and different countries, I think some countries are getting harder hit than others, and I think where we’ve seen unemployment, we’ve seen people really struggle… We’re seeing in places like Nadi [Fiji] low employment and lots of young mothers and carers with children who do not have sufficient resources to be able to feed themselves.” As the article also notes, remittances, or overseas money sent between the islands, are predicted by World Bank to decline by 13%, “represent[ing] a huge downturn for Samoa, Tonga and the Marshall islands, where money sent back by overseas workers account for 40% of average household income.” 

 As of early September, Tonga has no confirmed COVID-19 cases, and entry restrictions prohibit most travellers from entering the country. Credit: Tonga Tourism Authority

Cook Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu are particularly hard hit due to reliance on tourism. As the Guardian article explains, “Tourism makes up 40% of Fiji’s GDP. The International Monetary Fund recorded a 99% drop in tourist arrivals to the country in May 2020 compared with the same month last year.” This is likely to result in a decline of 21.7% in Fiji’s economy, more than any other Pacific nation. It is uncertain how tourism in the area can begin to recuperate, as plans for tourism “travel bubbles” remain stalled in Australia and New Zealand. At the time of the article (August 11), New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern predicted quarantine-free travel to the Cook Islands in 2020, but the newest outbreak in New Zealand puts that into question. 

While virus mitigation efforts continue throughout the Pacific, one recent creative initiative came together to spread hope and connection. As part of the effort to unite the Pacific in this time of COVID-19, “UN in the Pacific brought together artists, UN leaders, Heads of State and international celebrities in the world’s first regional COVID-19 concert.” Titled Pacific Unite: Saving Lives Together, the concert was streamed on Saturday, August 15 (the entire concert can be found in the above link). This two-and-a-half-hour concert, hosted by Tofiga Fepulea’I as his character “Aunty Tala,” included “musical performances from Jahboy of the Solomon Islands, Mia Kami of Tonga, Juny B of Kiribati, Te Vaka of New Zealand and many more.”  Fepulea’I called it “the first-ever virtual concert to comprise primarily of artists from across the region and be accessible to audiences not only in the Pacific but around the world.” Aside from being streamed worldwide, this closed-captioned concert was broadcast on radio and television in 12 Pacific Island nations, Australia, New Zealand, plus some countries farther afield.

While offering an experience to enjoy, the concert shone a light on the varied issues experienced across the region due to the pandemic, with growing issues with economic instability, food shortages, domestic violence, and mental health issues. Speakers stressed that rebuilding must include “creating a sustainable Pacific that is resilient to the impacts of climate change.” According to President of Palau Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. in his video message, “This new normal should not be the same old story, but with face mask.” UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed stressed that the only way to overcome COVID-19 is to work together. She urged the global community to help the islands “by ensuring equitable access to vital medical equipment, supplies and – when they become available – vaccines“ as well as by debt-relief and stimulation support. 

Demonstrating the resilience of the Pacific People, the concert closed with the song We Will Rise, “written about the coronavirus pandemic in the Pacific and performed by Pasifika Voices and the International School Suva.” 

Sung primarily by children and youth, the hopeful closing lyrics were:

“Around the world, we’re closing borders, COVID-19 on the rise

A new world order behind closed doors, the storm will pass, we will survive

We will rise, we will rise again, our isles will rise again

We will rise, we will rise again, our world will rise again” 

September 2020: Featured Partner

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Pacific Peoples’ Partnership recognizes MediaNet FLUX Gallery as our featured partner. 

MediaNet is a non-profit organization in Victoria that offers local community members access to the tools and training to create and present their own digital art and media. We acknowledge their long-time partnership with PPP including support of our annual One Wave Gathering, and other programs designed to respectfully encourage the creative vision and voices of Indigenous and South Pacific artists.

MediaNet has collaborated with PPP in many ways, offering access to film and video equipment to record educational events; providing training in media technology to our staff, volunteers and program participants; plus they have extended us the generous use of their creative studio and FLUX Gallery. Be sure to check out our latest collaboration at the FLUX Gallery, the digital media and art show Together / As One from September 3-18.

One Wave Gathering: Hereditary Resurgence of Reforming Safe Circles

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Prepared by Tana Thomas, Arts and Culture Coordinator, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership

ÍY SȻÁĆEL (Good day) to the city of Victoria that resides on the traditional unceded territory of the Lekwungen People. In our own canoes, we’ve all had to adapt to a new way of paddling through this global pandemic. After several waves of the triggers that come with the unknown, the spirit of the Pacific Ocean continues to bring unity amongst nations.

Songhees Canoe family asking hereditary leadership permission to come ashore in Victoria, B.C. (2018)

This September, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership (PPP) is delighted to once again deliver One Wave Gathering, an annual celebration of Pacific and Indigenous Cultures. At One Wave, artists, speakers, and leaders share stories through song, dance, carving, weaving, traditional foods and art. This year, we will offer events within the safe constructs of social distancing or delivered online to you in the comfort of your own home. Offerings you may enjoy this year include digital media, pop-up performances, youth arts, and maybe even a drive-in theatre!  We also have planned broadcasts of the youth opera “Flight of the Hummingbird” youth opera, Roy Henry Vickers’ “Peace Dancer,” and the unveiling of the Pacific Peace Post, the culmination of a two-year collaboration between Carvers Bradley Dick and Ake Lianga.

As delegated guests arrive from near and far to participate in a sacred cultural exchange, they are traditionally welcomed by the hereditary caretakers of this land. Wherever you may travel in this world, Indigenous people have followed their ancestral protocols of welcoming visitors into their territory. Historically, the ancestors of Pacific Islanders and coastal First Nations have voyaged these waters and shared stories with one another since time Immemorial.

Since 2008, the One Wave Gathering has been held on the unceded traditional territory of the Lekwungen people, which consists of the Songhees and Esquimalt nations. Lekwungen traditionally means “A place to smoke herring”. As told by many elders, our teachings stem from the roots in our territory. Every spectrum of the land and ocean explored has a language in which it speaks. Learning the language of the land gives us insight into how to coexist with one another and provides a deeper understanding that isn’t perceived in the English language. 

One Wave Gathering is a historical and transformative opportunity for guests of all ages to learn and interact with Pacific knowledge keepers and artists. It’s a true honour to witness the stories being told and gain insight on the deep-rooted connection between our lands and peoples.  As communal people, It’s a vital responsibility to our spirit to reform connections and participate in meaningful circles of dialogue. 

For many years it’s been a delicate time to publicly share Indigenous cultural protocols and ceremonies outside of our communities. Globally, Indigenous people are survivors of urbanization, colonial institutions, and cultural genocide. Visitors that join the circles must educate themselves about the historical traumas Indigenous people have faced due to the loss of territory, the loss of the children, and the loss of language. Many of our teachings have gone underground. Certain songs and dances were not always accessible. Many ceremonies and teachings were ultimately protected by those who were told to keep them sacred while remaining a secret to the outside world. It has been a long and resilient journey back to feeling safe enough to learn about and share our true identity.

Nuu-chah-nulth dancers at One Wave Gathering in Victoria, B.C. (2017)

To gather and culturally share with one another is a vigorous act of resilience. The One Wave Gathering wouldn’t be possible without the courageous act of each individual artist sharing their story. Our hands go up to all of you! 

When healing takes place in our communities and our intergenerational shame has been acknowledged as something, not ours to carry, we are able to share in a good way. It is up to each individual that’s joining the circle to create a safe place for cultural exchange. When we are sharing teachings with one another, we understand that there are many threads of life that add to the lesson as a whole.

As a previous attendee of this beautiful event, I have left with the feelings of being surged with hope and pride. I stood alongside many allies as a firsthand witness to the transformation that’s happening within and through our nations. The One Wave Gathering has created a safe place in which Indigenous-led dialogue is highly valued and respected. Pacific Peoples’ Partnership has done an extraordinary job collaborating with the local nations to strengthen the collective vision of constructive steps towards unity. 

We hope to see familiar and new faces join the canoe at One Wave this year as we ride the next wave into resurgence!

One Wave 2020 – Rain, Shine, or Online!

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By Jaimie Sumner, PPP Operations Coordinator

Yes, we are still planning for a great big beautiful One Wave Gathering this Fall!

In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to connect with each other, find strength in our cultures, and practice solidarity. These goals are central to us at Pacific Peoples’ Partnership and to One Wave Gathering, our main annual event.

Lekwungen Dancer at One Wave 2019. ©John-Evan Snow of FotoVie

Held each year on Lekwungen territories in Victoria, B.C., One Wave is an award-winning event series celebrating Indigenous and Pacific culture, knowledge, and arts. One Wave is about getting together, sharing traditions, and building relationships across cultures. It’s a month-long gathering full of smiles, learning, good conversation, and of course, lots of socializing!  And even though we don’t know what social protocols will look like this September, we are committed to bringing you One Wave again – rain, shine, or online!

Whatever the case, there are a few certainties you can count on for One Wave Gathering 2020. The first being – you are invited! Whether in person or virtually, we are excited to offer this event to all who want to learn and share Pacific and Indigenous cultures. All events will be free throughout the month of September. As always, One Wave will feature vibrant cultural presentations, creative works by master and emerging artists, and meaningful opportunities to participate and engage with people of diverse cultures.

Our main event is usually a large public gathering in downtown Victoria, alive with visual art, theatre, and dance; knowledge-sharing by local cultural leaders; food and games; and participatory activities for the whole family. Highlights from last year were local dances from Pearls of the Pacific and Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations, a staging of Roy Henry Vickers’ Peace Dancer with local theatre groups, and illuminating talks by cultural ambassadors such as master carver Joe Martin.

We are hoping dearly to hold our main gathering in person this year, as we love to see your wonderful faces! We also have a great roster of other events planned for this year, including screenings of films by local Indigenous youth and established Pacific filmmakers, pop-up galleries throughout the city, dialogues at the University of Victoria’s First Peoples House, and PPP’s 45th birthday party – yes, we’re that old! That said, if we can’t meet in person this year, we are preparing to bring the gathering into your living room by hosting our events online.  Stay tuned for updates.

Penina from Pearls of the Pacific at One Wave. ©John-Evan Snow of FotoVie

We have been honoured to host One Wave for the past 12 years on Lekwungen territory, and we are so grateful to the local Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ communities and the Pacific Islander diaspora for their support of One Wave over the years. This gathering of cultures could not exist without your permission, guidance, and participation. One Wave is also made possible by many other amazing partners, including MediaNet, CIRCLE, and the City of Victoria, as well as, of course, our participants and guests!

We welcome input from as many Pacific and Indigenous voices as possible in designing One Wave, and we invite volunteers, artists, and participants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to help make each gathering happen. If you would like to help with One Wave 2020, now is the time to get in touch at operations@archive.pacificpeoplespartnership.org. We’d love to hear from you.

We hope you will join us for One Wave 2020!

People & Passages

by

Jaimie Sumner, PPP Operations Coordinator

Please welcome Jaimie Sumner as PPP’s Operations Coordinator. Jaimie started with us mid-March 2020, and after only two days on the job, we had to begin COVID-19 remote work placements. Despite this challenge, Jaimie has quickly become indispensable to our Team, and has risen to the task of helping with our annual September One Wave Gathering, plus fundraising for our Pacific Resilience Fund and supporting our communications. Jaimie worked previously for Habitat for Humanity as a manager of a Restore and has a background in utilizing the arts to build intercultural understanding and solidarity. See Jaimie’s full profile under Team on the PPP website.

There has been another unexplained death of a fishing observer in the South Pacific. PPP is deeply saddened by the death of Eritara Aati Kaierua. He left the island of Pohnpei, Micronesia to work as a fishing observer on a Taiwanese tuna purse seiner heading south, and died mysteriously about five weeks later while on board the ship. The father-of-four is the tenth Pacific fisheries observer to die on the lawless high seas in the last decade.  To learn more about how to protect these essential workers, check out these actions. 

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For 45 years, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership has supported the aspirations of South Pacific Islanders and Indigenous peoples for peace, environmental sustainability, social justice and community development.

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