Looking Forward to Hosting RedTide 2020
RedTide logo by Mark Gauti, T’Sou-ke Nation.
An essential part of PPP’s work is to provide spaces for peoples of the South Pacific and Indigenous peoples of Canada and their allies to convene, learn and exchange knowledge on matters of mutual concern. Over the years, we have hosted 23 Pacific Networking Conferences (PNC) on wide ranging themes of self-determination, reconciliation, and gender equality to name a few.
In May 2018 we helped coordinate the first ever PNC overseas in the beautiful territory of Te Whānau-A-Apanui, New Zealand alongside the host partner Toitoi Manawa Trust. Their vision was to hold an international summit for Indigenous peoples focusing on climate change. For two years prior to the event, a dedicated core committee and ever-expanding group of contributors and partners worked to realize this vision. Together we created RedTide: International Indigenous Climate Action Summit and Youth Conference. Check out the reflections from the coordinating partner Ora Barlow Tukaki of Toitoi Manawa Trust and this beautiful short film by Kl. Peruzzo and Erynne Gilpin that showcases the experience of participants.
Following on the success of RedTide 2018, PPP and our partners declared that we would host RedTide: International Indigenous Climate Action Summit and Youth Conference during the summer of 2020 here on Vancouver Island. We are thrilled to have the continued engagement of Pawa Haiyupis in this developing program. Pawa was an invaluable member of the original coordinating team that helped to design and develop RedTide 2018, and we are delighted that she will Chair the 2020 event which also marks PPP’s 45th Anniversary and our 25th PNC!
While it is still early in the planning for RedTide 2020, we will be seeking volunteers, partners, speakers, sponsors and contributors to help envision and realize this international gathering. Please send us your suggestions.
RedTide Youth Summit at Pahaoa Marae, Te Whānau-A-Apanui.
One Wave Gathering 2018 Continues!
Io’omalatai, a Jr. Champion Samoan fire knife Dancer, participated in the One Wave Gathering. Photo Heather Tufts
From September 1-15th 2018, Pacific Peoples’ Partnership (PPP) proudly presented the 11th annual One Wave Gathering, an international Pacific Indigenous arts cultural celebration. It was held with permission and engagement of Songhees and Esquimalt Nations on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen speaking peoples. Since 2008, One Wave has celebrated international Pacific community, arts and culture in Victoria, British Columbia. This gathering offers a unique opportunity for communities to meaningfully engage with local and international Indigenous artists, youth and culture, fostering an environment of solidarity and expression amongst Pacific peoples.
The 2018 One Wave Gathering spanned two weeks and was held in three venues, providing a host of free public programming that celebrated Pacific Indigenous arts and cultures through music, dance, film, digital art and community discourse. See full details and acknowledgements here and the digital artwork tribute to the 2017 Longhouse project created by Austin Willis.
PPP was thrilled to have the Songhees Girls Youth Group volunteering at our One Wave Gathering in 2018. The youth group ran our family fun activity centre, helped with set up and take down, and with a giveaway at the end of the day. In return for their efforts, their group received a modest honorarium from PPP. As an immediate legacy spinoff from their valuable participation, these amazing youth decided to use their funds to give back to those in need within the Victoria community during the winter season. Check out the story here.
In early 2019, we look forward to officially announcing two exciting legacy projects made possible through the 2018 One Wave Gathering. We also wish to invite potential volunteers and committee members interested in helping with One Wave Gathering 2019 to let us know at: director@archive.pacificpeoplespartnership.org.
The Songhees Girls Youth Group donated their One Wave $500 honorarium to helping Victoria’s people in need during the winter holiday season. Photo courtesy of CHEK TV News.