Last night (Midnight April 4) Tla’amin Nation burned the Federal Indian Act at midnight, symbolizing their new independence.

photo by CaroleAnn Leishman

photo by CaroleAnn Leishman

Want to celebrate a new relationship? Consider walking a little closer with Tla’amin:

1. Visit the new Totem Poles and Tla’amin lands

On April 9, the six poles created for Governance House will be raised. The public is invited to see them anytime afterwards. Grab an Indian Taco at Tla’amin Convenience, and walk the Tla’amin seawalk, too.

2. Attend Written as I Remember It: the play

Elder Elsie Paul’s book of cultural teachings and memoirs has become a play starring students from all SD47 schools. It will hit the Max Cameron stage on June 21, with a dress rehearsal at Willingdon Beach on the same day. Tickets are available this month at Brooks, for $20 each.

3. Go online

See sliammonfirstnation.com for a crash course in treaty.

4. Take an audio walk

These 20-minute walks, curated by artist Megan Dulcie Dill require a cell phone and headphones. At projectartpr.wordpress.com, find walks at Willingdon Beach Trail, Willingdon Creek Trail, Valentine Mountain, the Townsite and the Sea Walk.  They include archaeology, history, and local voices.

5. Hit the Library

Find Neh Motl Newspaper; Sliammon Life, Sliammon Lands by Dorothy Kennedy; Written as I Remember It by Elsie Paul; and a full set of the Mink stories and more.

6. Book The Blanket Exercise

Tla’amin cultural worker Devin Pielle offers an engaging, interactive workshop that introduces Tla’amin and general First Nations history and issues. dpielle@gmail.com.

7. Experience May Day at James Thomson

The annual celebration – this year on May 20 – features the Coast Salish National Anthem; a Kindergarten friendship dance with button blankets; Tla’amin flag bearers in the parade; an Oolichan dance, and much more.

8. Learn the language

On CJMP, Devin Pielle presents the Tla’amin Word of the Day weekends at 7 am, 1 pm and 5 pm. Weekdays, she’s on at 6 am, 9 am and 11 am. The Sliammon app on your cell phone offers a bilingual dictionary and phrasebook. First Voices offers online Tla’amin language learning at www.firstvoices.com/en/Sliammon. If you’re lucky enough to be a student in SD47 schools, you’re learning it in class!

9. Celebrate National Aboriginal Day

On Tuesday, June 21, there will be a celebration at Willingdon Beach. Watch for other events coming soon.

10. Visit the Museum

The Powell River Historical Museum has a Tla’amin exhibit – entry by donation.