Canada Day 2021 Reflections
Today, instead of our usual community celebrations with family and friends, we quietly reflect on what it means to be Canadian and to listen and share the stories of a tragic past that we now know to be true.
We hope to create an opportunity through a storytelling series called Healing heARTs for our community to reflect and learn about this painful time in our country’s history, and to recognize and acknowledge the survivors and their families - and the Indigenous communities and their leaders. We plan to share a series of those stories of hope and healing through the arts, and the many actions we can take for the future leading up to National Day For Truth And Reconciliation on September 30, 2021
And with restrictions easing, we look forward to community celebrations later this year when we can safely gather again. A series of interpretive signs will be placed throughout Quarry Park on Canada Day, aimed at encouraging thoughtful reflection during a time of change and challenge. Bring your smartphone to scan the QR codes for access to videos and online resources.
The Hearth Gallery is now open for Summer Hours 11 - 5 pm daily (Closed Tuesdays). Be sure and visit the current exhibition Where We Stood with Jude Neale and Jane Kenyon which runs until July 5. Visit the Hearth Gift Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, cards, books and more.
* Canadian Native Flag designed by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Curtis Wilson
Simon Daniel James shares his message of Hope and Healing
Am I a proud Canadian man in the 21st century?
No, I am not. When I was growing up, I looked up to my grandfather who was a proud Canadian man and hereditary chief of our people. He worked hard for Canada, fishing to feed the men serving in the war and told me stories often about how he fed those proud Canadians.
Salute to Bowen Island’s Essential Workers for Canada Day (2020)
This Canada Day video was made in partnership with Bowen Community Recreation and The Hearth with funding from The Government of Canada for Canada Day 2020. The video features Essential Service Workers of Bowen Island and Oh Canada sung by band members of Black Molly, Billi Behm on vocals and Earl Jenkins, vocal and guitar. View HERE
Canada Day Video intro Billi Behm of Black Molly HERE