Sustainable Campbell River: Invitation to Attend November 25 Youth & Elder Storytelling Forum

November 17 2010

Youth and elders from local First Nations groups, Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai and Homalco and non- First Nations groups are preparing an evening of fun, displays and stories based on ?where we have come from? and ?where we are going?.

As a part of the visioning process for Campbell River?s Sustainable Official Community Plan, the City is inviting everyone to take part in an evening of storytelling and cultural learning.

?Storytelling is the key to our future? says Curtis Wilson of the Wei Wai Kum (Campbell River Indian Band). ?Our people have always been oral educators and learners and we are following the paths of our ancestors.?

The evening will showcase the concerns and goals of youth and elders for the future of Campbell River. The youth of the We Wai Kai (Cape Mudge Band) express that ?it is important to us to show and tell the rest of the people in Campbell river about who we are. It will be a fun and informative evening!?

Mayor Cornfield expresses the importance of this event: ?the three local First Nations groups are partners in the Sustainable Official Community Plan, and the Storytelling Forum will be an event to celebrate our commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive community. This event demonstrates a partnership that strives to develop a strong governance relationship based on mutual understanding, respect and collaboration.?

Carihi Secondary School student Jessica Sidhu stresses the significance of the Storytelling Forum for youth. ?This event is important for me and the rest of Campbell River?s youth because it gives us a way to creatively present our thoughts about our City?s future. It also allows us to display the diversity found within our City and how we can work together to make the best of the Sustainable Official Community Plan opportunity.?

The Youth & Elder Storytelling Event will take place Nov 25 at the Campbell River Maritime Heritage Centre at 6 pm. Snacks and refreshments will be available. To ensure your seat at the event, please register at workshop-registration@sustainablecampbellriver.ca with your name and the number of tickets you require. Fifty advance tickets will be available; remaining seats will be available on a first come first serve basis at the door.