National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Marked by Moving Event at Gabriola Museum

Life on Gabriola TV visits the September 30th event at the Gabriola Museum marking the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Museum President Joan Merrifield welcomes the large crowd along with T'Souke Elder and Gabriola resident Ardyth Cooper. Snuneymuxw Elder Geraldine Manson introduces herself and speaks of the day as one of remembering but also understanding how we can support those “who still struggle out there.”

She introduces Patrick Aleck, whose traditional name is Xwaluputhut and who is a Chemainus First Nation (Stz'uminus) & Penelakut Nation Singer. Aleck sings a song called "We Are Excited You've Come Home," dedicated both to residential school survivors as well as children who found a home in the spirit world.

Later, Manson speaks movingly of her time in a residential school. Aleck leads others in a number of songs, and Manson leads the singing of the “Women’s Warrior Song.”

At the end of the video, Frank Moher interviews Lisa Webster, who is of Mohawk/Deleware/Scottish descent and currently a resident on Gabriola. Lisa speaks of the meaning of the day for her personally, and how we can work with Snuneymuxw to make “Gabriola a more traditional place for Snuneymuxw and in a way that everyone’s comfortable with.”

Geraldine Manson’s new book, “Snuneymuxw Mulstimuxw: Sacred Place Names, their Travels, and Stories,” which was launched at the event, can be purchased from strongnations.com.

Special thanks to the Gabriola Historical and Museum Society for hosting the proceedings, and to Geraldine Manson and Patrick Aleck for permission to record their presentations.

Life on Gabriola TV is generously sponsored by:

    The Gabriola Arts Council
    The Haven, Gabriola Island

Journalist, videographer & editor: Frank Moher