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A three-year multi-community multi-generational project is bringing together Indigenous families, tribes and territories of the Fraser and Thompson River watersheds to honour the lives and lived experiences of grandmothers who traveled to Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Many lost connections with families and friends and their grandchildren don't know their stories. Family members are working to restore relationships between generations and communities. They are honouring indigenous women, their history, language, salmon, and ways of life that connect lis all for generations to come. Honouring Our Grandmothers Healing Journey 2021 launch is produced by Further We Rise Collective/Sacred Rock Society in partnership with Vancouver Moving Theatre /Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival with three days of ceremony, teachings, storytelling, and art respecting Mother Earth. Friday November 5, 10 am - 4 P'!l. Oppenheimer Park, 1 pm, Opening ceremony & Welcome; Saturday Nov. 6th, 10 am - 4 pm. Oppenheimer Park, with "Stories from Our Grandmothers": Healing Journey and vision presentations from 2-4 pm; Sunday Nov. 7th (10 am - noon) Oppenheimer Park. journey._With a ceremony, to send off, cleanse, and l1Iessall the Honouring Our Grandmothers Healing Journey participants on to its beautiful future and its next three-year healing journey, being released to travel BC. Over the three days in Oppenheimer Park, the public is welcome to write messages to their ancestors, Grandmothers, and family and place them in the travelling message chest to be properly respected and laid to rest. There will be emotional, menta" and spiritual support during these times, with information to help those challenged when they leave. There are alternative options to get your letters into the Honouring Our Grandmother Healing Journey travelling message chest or to be read at an event. Email info@sacredrock.ca. visit www.sacredrock.ca. or mail Sacred Rock, Spences Bridge POBox116, BC, Canada, VOK210
18th Annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival .We're just getting started! Many more activities Nov 1- Nov 7 Due to circumstances
of COVID many of the festival events are online; live stream on If you don't have access to online, there are many festival events you can attend in person - COVIDprotocols in placeI
the website www.heartofthecityfestival.com.
ART IN THE STREETSFree • Mon Nov 1, 12pm-2pm Anthony Favel, Music on Carnegie patio, 401 Main • Mon Nov 1, 2pm Bells of St. James', 303 E. Cordova • Wed Nov 3, 12pm Lunchtime with City Opera Vancouver, corner of Gore & Cordova • Thurs Nov 4, 12pm-2pm Michael Edward Nardachioni, Music on Carnegie patio • Fri Nov 5, 12pm-2pm DTES Poets, Poetry on Carnegie patio MichaelEdward
Nardachioni with Matthew, photo Grover Wong
• Fri Nov 5, 12pm & 1pm Hastings Street Band, Keefer & Columbia • SatNov 6, 12pm & 1pm Hastings Street Band, Pigeon Park, Hastings & Carrall
COMMUNITY IN PERSONFree Mon Nov 1, 2pm Dia De Los Muertos, Oppenheimer Park, 488 Powell Mon Nov 1, 2pm-Spm Day ofthe Dead Attar, Listening Post, 382 Main Tues Nov 2, 3pm-4pm Made in Canada: An Agricultural Song Cycle, Oppenheimer Park Wed Nov 3, 1pm-3pm Local Stories Spelling Bee, Carnegie Learning Centre, 401 Main Wed Nov 3 to Sat Nov 6, 1pm-5pm Beyond the Frame - Megaphone's new exhibition, InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, entrance on Carrall Thurs Nov 4~3pm-5pm Stories We Need to Share, Listening Post, 382 Main Fri Nov 5, 6pm-7pm Survivors Totem Pole Ceremony, Pigeon Park, Hastings & Carrall Fri Nov 5, 7:30pm-9:30pm 100 Block Rock 11, Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Sat Nov 6, 2pm-4pm Drag Bingo, with Tracey Divine! EWMA Studio, 800 E. Hastings Sat Nov 6, 7pm-9:30pm DTESPoetry Night is back! Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Sun Nov 7 Finale, 4:45pm POINTED STICKSUp on the Roof! Chapel Arts, 304 Dunlevy Many more FREEexciting events·during the upcoming days of the Festival! Find the Festival Program Guide at Carnegie Centre and at locations throughout the neighbourhood. For complete Festival details, visit - www.heartofthecityfestival.com. Produced by Vancouver Moving Theatre with Camegie Community Centre & Association of United Ukrainian Canadians, with a host of community partners. Front cover photo: Sid Chow Tan, photo David Cooper
Sandy Cameron Memorial Writing Contest ESSAY Chemukh's Childhood by Priscillia Tait The Fool by Graeme White Against all odds by Lawrence Morris Onward to Earth Alive by Gilles Cyrenne Beyond Belief by Robyn Livingstone The Power of Peers by Dan Wilson Help Along the Way by Parker Kish Relationship between Stars & Humans by Joel Kumar POETRY Dancing With Doors by Mike Tropp "Charity" by Kerry Hopkins We'll Rise Again by Julie Chapman As I See It by Gilles Cyrenne
On Viewing Philosopher
&
1st prize 2nd Prize' 3rd Prize Honourable Honourable Recognition Recognition Recognition
When I'm alone, maybe lonely I dance with the doors Mention Mention for Merit for Merit for Merit
1st prize 2nd prize 3rd prize Honourable Mention Honourable Mention
Poet
by Barbara Morrison Powwow Poem by Stewart Brinton The Human Mode by Garry Gust Oh Where Did the Love Go by Patrick Foley " The Storyteller by Jackie Humber Oh Canada by Chris Marquis
Recognition Recognition Recognition Recognition Recognition
for Merit for Merit for Merit for Merit for Merit
On October 27, as part of the Heart ofthe City Festival, the Awards Event took place in the Camegie Theatre, hosted by Lisa David and Paul Taylor. Those whose work was recognised for merit were acknowledged and received a gift of one of Sandy's books. The pieces getting honourable mention received coff cards and the cash prize recipients got $50, $75 & $100 respectively, as well as blank journals in which to "write more!" All writers got the comments of the anonymous panels of judges who touched on how each piece affected them and made suggestions. Writers are always hoping for feedback .
••
I
DANCING WITH DOORS
You can dream anything While you dance with the door You can tryout new dance steps You can sit one song out You can go room to room Dance barefoot, in PJs You can always dance drunk Eight months pregnant, or stoned You can dance like a Dervish In a wheel-chair or slow-dance You can even eat pizza As you shuffle your feet You can say "Yes, I dance alorie, and I choose to!" You can ponder your loneliness Or revel in your ease. Mike Tropp 1st place, Poetry
Dear Lisa and Paul This was great! Thank you for sending us the info! Congratulations to both of you! Sean watched the Sandy Cameron Memorial contest at 7 pm, and I watched it later this evening, around 9 pm. Lisa, you are so very poised and created such a welcomingatmosphere ...palpable even through the· screen! How you can speak so distinctly through a mask is beyond me. Wonderful to hear the stories and poems read. We were both able to watch the interview 'live' at 8 pm and Terry Hunter is a terrific interviewer. When '-----.-
Paul began to speak, John Henry joined us in the piano studio (where we were watching on my laptop, stretched out on the floor) His little jade-green eyes were glued to the screen for a full 30 minutes .... something he's never done before. Photos attached 0
~ Carnegie newsletter interview with Paul!: YES! A must read! cover to cover, (and we often do D). 35 years is a remarkably long time. So much history has , been carefully archived through the newsletter. Paul: I completely sympathize with what you said about technology not doing what we want it to ..every. single. day. Things seemed much easier decades ago. With Royal Conservatory examining, we used to write assessments and commentary, and there is a creative stream that comes from holding a pencil or pen. I've found that with typing/using a laptop, the words don't come as freely and it feels as a barrier to
creative thought in some ways. And I can imagine editing is indeed walking a fine line. Low barrier ...but certainly powerful voices in the writingfound in the Carnegie Newsletter. For sure, it's been informative to follow the political issues over the years and to see the changes ... slowly, positive ones. I do remember Sandy Cameron's columns clearly. The analogies for the newsletter. ..a 'life jacket' for editor and community .... were heartwarming. Blessings on you both, for the work you've done and continue to do. 0 . Cathy & Sean (and John Henry White).
Powwow
Poem
They came with cannon And demon rum Got us drunk Then called us dumb They stole our salmon Stole our trees Stole our children Then called us thieves Heh, heh, Ho Stewart
Brinton
Chemukh's childhood Early on a cold northern evening, two figures made their way along a snowy Iskut road, their warm breath forming steamy puffs in the icy air. One was Germaine, a thirteen year old Tahltan girl who had met up with her Auntie's husky dog as she walked along Highway 37 after basketball practice. She spoke wisely to her companion. "Panda Bear, those aren't stars, you know. They are humongous balls of burning gas." His reply was concise. "Arf." Gennaine's train of thought took a slight turn, and she smiled. "Chemukh thinks the sparkle of the snow rose up to the heavens and became angels in the sky." Panda Bear barked agreeably and wagged his tail. As they continued to walk, Germaine watched smoke rise from the chimneys of the cozy houses. She loved the smell of the burning wood and the welcoming look of the light shining through the windows. When they reached their own homes, the two neighbours parted company, and Germaine heard the sound of her dad Gerry's fiddle as she walked up to her door. No sooner had she opened it than she heard "Perfect timing, yez" and Nora tried to hand her a hot pie wrapped in a colourful cloth. "Oniden, Mom, let me take offmy backpack," the girl protested. A few minutes later, she was carrying the precious payload to the house next door, and Panda Bear was sniffing at it with great interest. "Down boy!" Nora commanded him. The dog obeyed reluctantly and after leading them all inside went straight to his own supper dish. The luscious aroma of fresh baked huckleberry peach pie mingled with the scents of cocoa and biscuits and moose stew. While most of the extended family gathered in the kitchen, chatting in their mother tongue as they put the finishing touches on dinner preparation, Germaine was drawn by the sound of "Peter and the • Wolf' coming from a child's record player. She peeked into a sizable bedroom where Chemukh sat on the floor pretending to read to her white bear Fozzie. Instead of going right in, Germaine drank in the visionof her adorable little cousin lost in the world of her imagination. She smiled, thinking about how much fun it was to play with Chemukh and let herself be a little girl again. Finally she said "Hadi, Chemukh, want to help me set the table?" The four year old looked right up at Germaine. Then she said to her bear, "Come on Fozzie, let's help Flower." The three of them went to ~e kitchen, where Chemukh and Fozzie took care of spoons and napkins while Germaine handled bowls and saucers. At last Thomas placed a pot of stew on the table, and everyone sat down to eat. Chemukh: "Can you give me stew, Crampa?" Thomas: "Hang on, I didn't say grace yet!" Chemukh: "What's that?" Germaine: "Uncle, you never say grace." Thomas: "I do now. Ready?" Sarah: "Oniden!" Panda Bear: "Arf1" Thomas: "Quiet, everyone! Here we go." (He paused for dramatic effect.)
"Good bread, good meat, good God, let's eat!" Everyone laughed as Thomas winked at the children. Even Panda Bear joined in with a little howl. Sarah lifted the pot lid and released the steamy scent of stew. She dished it into bowls while hot biscuits and butter were passed around. Soon they were all digging in eagerly: Gerry: "Geez, Tom, this is good! You're a regular Julia Child." Thomas: "Yeah, and you're a fiddlin' Liberace." Sarah: "How's school, Germaine?" Germaine: Boring. But I love basketball." When the main course was finished, Nora cut her pie into generous slices and brought them to the table. Thomas added scoops of ice cream and passed the dessert around. Chemukh: "Mmmm, Auntie, I love huckleberry peach pie!" Nora: "I know, my monkey." Germaine: "Madu, Mom." Nora: "Ani ....you kids are everything to us." (She hugged the two girls.) Thomas: "Look, look! Northern lights!" Everyone looked out the big picture window by the dining table. Chemukh: "Ooh, I want to play with the children in the sky!" Sarah: (smiling) "Not yet, yez." They watched the aurora borealis pulsating between the mountains, and could feel the colourful waves pulling their hearts into the mysterious silent symphony. Chemukh especially was drawn by that magical energy, but all were deeply affected. Gerry picked up his fiddle and began to fill the house with • music. Thomas and Sarah danced together, while Nora and the girls twirled through the room trying to avoid an exuberant Panda Bear. It was definitely an evening to remember. Eventually it was time for Chemukh to sleep. Gerry, Nora, and Gerrnaine hugged her before they left. Her "Crampa" gave her a kiss and sent her off to brush her teeth. As Panda Bear curled up on his bed in the corner of Chemukh' s room, Sarah closed the curtains and turned on her night light. She tucked her granddaughter into bed with her bear and said "Good night, my yez. I love you. NOW you can play with the children up above." Chemukh stretched her arms as wide as they could go and said, "I love you THIS much, Cramma!" By Priscillia Tait 1st Place, Essay
From the Library On November 4th the Library is in cahoots (because how can we not be!) with a couple of programs going on in the Carnegie Centre. Starting at 2pm in the Theatre we will show two short films in celebration of Diwali: Highway to Heaven and Life on the Ganges: Celebrating Dev Diwali on the Ganges River. The former is a short symphonic documentary that offers a glimpse into the unique religious co-existence found along No. 5 Road in Richmond, British Columbia. The latter follows boatmen who row tourists up and down the Ganges during Dev Diwali. The boat rides are part of the spiritual experience on the holy day. Can't make it that day? You can catch these films for free using your Vancouver Public Library card on Kanopy and the National Film Board of Canada. Access through our website at https://wWw.vpl.ca/digitallibrary. And then in the Learning Centre from 10-4pm we have poet Hari Alluri leading a zine making workshop for the Heart of the City Festival. You can make up to 10 copies of your own 4- to 12-page book, and contribute to a community zine. There will be a short writing workshop for inspiration lOam-l1 :30am (From Self to Pen) and a type-up event 11:4Sam-l:1Spm (From Pen to Page), leading into the zine making session 2:30-4pm (From Page to Book). Join us for any or all three. If you're interested in reading Hari Alluri's poetry books, come on by the Carnegie Library Branch to check them out. Both The Flayed City (Kaya, 2017) and The Promise of Rust (Mouthfeel, 2016) can be put on hold and brought into the Library for your reading pleasure. It's going to be a busy day and we hope to see you there. Keep dry, . Danielle
We are honoured to announce that our new opera MISSING, by Marie Clements and Brian Current, will have its American premiere at Anchorage (Alaska) Opera in February 2022.
https://anchorageopera.org/missing/ MISSING had its Canadian world premiere at City Opera Vancouver in November 2017, followed immediately by our partners at Pacific Opera Victoria. the work has received extraordinary reviews, and a powerful audience response Since then, it has also toured to Prince George and Regina. after this wretched plague lifts, it will continue on tour to Winnipeg and Toronto On behalf of all who created the work, many many thanks for your early and ongoing support Charles Barber, for City Opera http:// www.cityoperavancouver.com The woods first came earth one small [iard seed planted in deep soil we are anchored in a green forest cottonwood trees stretching forth I think of Aaron in the midst of the wilderness, standing before the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant the maple, the fir, the birch burnt offerings offered like this Lazarus asking for crumbs nature in her wisdom calls after her own kind where the wood witches play By. J.T. Sandhu aka ruby diamond
CARNEGIE COMMUNITY
CENTRE
SOCK DRIVE HELP COLLECT 5000 PAIRS OF NEW SOCKS Send new pairs of socks to Carnegie
Community
Centre before Dec.31 2021 401 Main Street Vancouver BC V6A 2T7 Contact: beverly.walker@vancouver.ca 604-665-2213 Socks will be distributed
i1
to Downtown
community
members
on request
Community
Centre and Oppenheimer
Eastside
at Carnegie Park.
2021 Carnegie Community Centre Sock Drive The Goal: Collect 5000 pairs of new socks by Dec.31 2021 for disadvantaged community members of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. The Ask: Consider donating new socks to Carnegie Community Centre to support Downtown Eastside community members. The Why: . New socks are the most requested item by people whose lives include. homelessness and/or being under housed. They walk often, keep their shoes on almost 24 hours a day, and don't have regular access to laundry facilities. New socks prevent infections, diseases, and provide comfort and relief. The How: Send new socks to Beverly Walker clo Carnegie Community Centre via: Drop off at the Carnegie Info Desk from 9:00am-l1 :OOpmseven days a week. We are located at 401 Main Street, Vancouver BC V6A 2T7 If none of these options work, please get in touch to arrange a mutually convenient alternative: Beverly.Walker@vancouver.ca 604-665-2213 .
Waking Up Woke up in tears this morning Woke up happy grateful for waking up today in sober reality Woke up pleased wanting to engage embrace the day There were years when Last thought of night was wish to never wake Didn't have the balls to kill myself as I wished fervently something else would I was so profoundly unhappy First hour of committed sobriety something shifted Hatred resentment alcohol depression transformed to gratitude transmuted to thanksgiving changed to belief waking up could help self and others in this journey one day one step at ~ time Goodbye to downsick fucking hangovers Goodbye to downsick fucking hangovers Though it's been thirty-four years Full realization wakes me with a good cry Appreciation awareness catalyzes engagement of heartfelt connection with Heart of the City incites harmony of heart and soul and mind and body of me binds me to community And as I write these last words . John Coltrane's A Love Supreme plays my radio
Gilles Cyrenne
Bud Osborn - Crusader Supreme Please remember (I do) when he used to rut the streets he knew all about the lingo, he felt the rhythm and the beats. He had the power and the determination to make things right. He loved to meet the people he met, to hear their plight. He cared for humans deeply, with all his heart and soul. To transform lives in his neighbourhood was Bud's deeply cherished goal. He once wrote a poem entitled One Hundred-Block Rock. It was meant to stir us, it was meant to shock. I knew rum slightly, though he always had time for me. He encouraged me with my writing and it meant the world to me because I idolized his. Bud listened and understood the deeper problems. He got it and went to bat for all of us, to make our lives better. He hit the bricks when he was feeling well, and pushed and pushed to make significant changes. He was a man we could all trust. He got results for the downtrodden, for the' down and out.' To be disenfranchised is a terrible situation, almost impossible to imagine. To make the world a better place is something we all should aspire to do, one based on hope and trust. I miss Bud, his presence is strong and his spirit watches. I miss his words of encouragement - how could I not? He was the Downtown Eastside Poet Laureate. When things get tough, when it's hard, I think of Bud who was a leader. He'd do whatever it took to create a better world, speaking truth to power. Make our community a place to live and thrive, step by step. By Robyn Liivngstone
Fantastic Your talk was so great and very interesting When you talked about the DTES being a refuge and everyone is accepted I had tears come to my eyes I'm so very pleased You as the Editor accepted me into the Carnegie Newsletter Thank you Paul
Jackie
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