On now until Oct. 6 is the Thu-it [Truth] multi-media exhibit at the art gallery in the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan.
The exhibit, in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is being hosted by Quw’utsun’ Cultural Connections Society and Social Planning Cowichan.
“Thu-it [Truth] is storytelling, digital imagery and sound, it is a participatory, experiential art installation,” said a press release for the exhibit. “It is to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to open hearts and minds, to listen and to learn about the history and impacts of colonization.”
Thu-it has come out of a group of Indigenous elders who have been sharing their cultural teachings and personal stories of residential schools, Indian hospitals and ongoing colonial policies and systems since Cowichan hosted the North American Indigenous Games in 2008.
“We want you to make sure you take care of yourself as you move through the story of Canadian history, our story, the one that was untold. It is not an easy one to tell, neither is it an easy one to hear yet it is our collective story,” said Mariah Thomas, Thu-it co-creator and researcher.
“The Thu-it project is a beautiful piece of art that is a crucial tool to understanding the true events in history and in the present. It is storytelling through an Indigenous point of view, it is reclaiming the space that is rightfully ours, it is using our voices that have been silenced for too long, it is pain, it is forgiveness, it is healing, and much more. This is only the start and we hope that it brings understanding, empathy, critical thinking/analyzing and inspiration as well as an opportunity to look within oneself. We encourage our fellow friends, neighbours, and community to partake. Remember, this beautiful project isn’t about blame, it is about working together as one, a.k.a. ‘Naut’sa mawt’,” she said.
For more information go to www.journeyofourgeneration.ca
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Riot Brewing in Chemainus has a bunch of entertainment lined up for October.
On Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. it’s The Grinning Barretts, with “bagpipe strangling, vocal cord mangling Vancouver Island Celtic punk rock”.
“Celtic sounds mashed up with gritty punk rock create a wild ride of traditionals, originals and additionals that will move your feet into jig formation and bring out your inner rabblerouser,” says a press release for the show.
The on Saturday Oct. 15 it’s Mark Crissinger, starting at 5:30 p.m.
“Blending traditional themes, clever lyrics and modern arrangements, Mark performs original blues and roots music that reveals his singer-songwriter soul and the blues in his heart,” says a press release.
And on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. there’s something totally different when The Thirsty Barbershop sets up at Riot, giving a haircut courtesy of Vancouver Island Barber Co., along with a beer of your choice for $25. All proceeds go to Hope And Health.