The City of Courtenay raised the K’ómoks First Nation flag on Friday recognizing the ongoing relationship between the city and the unceded territory.
On Wednesday, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., residents of the Comox Valley are invited to join the festivities across from the Puntledge RV Campground (4624 Condensory Road, Courtenay). This is a free family event for the whole community and all are welcome to join in the celebration, which includes storytelling, dance, culture, craftsmanship, heritage, stewardship and community.
The event will conclude with a dance/concert put on by The Core with Haida artist Randy Pryce.
For more information, and the entire schedule, visit www.komoksfestival.com.
On Wednesday morning, DługwayaX̱alis (Karver Everson) and Aaqwasgem (Junior Henderson), Gi’gigame (chiefs), Ni’noxsola (wise ones) and the Kumugwe Dancers will be in Cumberland for the blessing of the first totem poles to be raised on the ancestral lands and peoples on which Ḵwax̱diz’dzas Cumberland Affordable Housing Project will be built. That celebration is set for 10 a.m. at Cumberland Peace Park, and the public is welcome.
The biggest thing, the most important thing is truth-telling,” says Hereditary Chief Nagedzi (Rob Everson) of the Gilal’gam ‘Walas Kwagu’l about the significance of the totem poles in Cumberland. “It’s a matter of setting the record straight and stopping the perpetual erasure of our history.”