I’m currently helping facilitate a workshop on addiction in Old Massett — a workshop based in culture and ceremony, enriched by learning.
Did you know that First Nations people make up 3.3 per cent of the population of British Columbia, and yet account for 15 per cent of toxic drug deaths?
Look at that closely. Why the over-representation? Within the context of colonialism; the assaults of residential schools, the 60’s scoop, and land theft, it begins to make sense.
So how do we, as an all-islands community, begin to make that right? While it’s a multi-layered and complex problem, it all begins with connection.
Connection is the antidote for addiction — connection to family, friends, community, culture, language, and (most important) connection to self.
We have to know our wounds, or else we fill the holes with addiction: drugs, alcohol, food, phones, TV. The list is long.
We must know our shadow side, sense it, experience our weaknesses, learn from them, and still continue the dance of vulnerability. We raise and lower our shields as needed, often with bad rhythm and poor choreography, but we do our best.
In that dance, there is always the desire to find safe, supportive, and kind connections. It’s a hard dance, but often a successful one when we are actually dancing together!
The Tlell Fall Fair is coming Aug. 4, and the Edge of the World Music Festival (EOTW) is just around the corner on Aug. 9, 10, and 11 here in Tll.aal. Both are fun events that bring the community together.
Tickets are available at the gate for the Fall Fair and online and at the gate for EOTW.
EOTW is a unique event that brings together a community in a spirit of celebration that is shared with our off-island guests. Those who know me know it holds a special place in my heart.
As a past festival director for over a decade, I watched that festival grow as more and more people joined in to make it fantastic.
The current crew — Pete Moore, Jenna Keshajvjee, Julien Braun-McLeod, Gaetan Lamarre, Laura Bishop, and Dwyer Cross — are incredible people adding new energy to the event (and making me proud).
The entire festival is volunteer-run, setting it apart from nearly every other festival in existence. The amount of work it takes would boggle your mind, but many hands make light work.
So if you haven’t volunteered, what are you waiting for?
Getting involved creates a connection. This sense of connection keeps everyone safe and responsible.
EOTW requires no substances to enjoy — harm reduction supplies and testing strips are still available, all in a safe, confidential space (the Chill Tent).
When we come together, we can keep each other safe, share, heal, and envision a bright future that embraces gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagid (interconnectedness).
Come dance with me!