Walking Together

Peacemaking Gathering (June 24 -28) and Ancestor Walk (June 29 - July 2nd)

The Call to Action comes from the Quw’utsun Elders teachings of Nutsa’ maat Shqwaluwun: One Heart, One Mind. We are inviting the greater community to work together in contributing and participating to this two part social event, taking place over 8 days. You may participate from one day to all eight of the days.

The first four days is focused on Restorative Justice circles with Elders from many cultures gathering together.

The second segment is a four day walk from T’Sou-ke Territory to Swuq’us/Mount Prevost following the creation story pathway of the Quwut’sun people.

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE: Gift making and Meal prep to cater to those attending Q’ushintul are great ways to volunteer and support.

May 6th & May 27 1 to 5pm

Sustainable Skillshare Saturdays: Fabric arts/makers space, earth arts mosaics, wellness workshops. www.ourecovillage.org

May 7th 9am start - afternoon Processing Deer and Salmon, Backyard Sessions, Lila Music Centre, www.joythroughmusic.com

May 14th Swuq’us/Mt. Prevost Hike & Walk carrying prayers to the waters. Meet at 10am at Bings Creek (across from the dump)

May 21st 2 pm - 5pm Completing Weaving Baskets for Giveaway, The Basket of Stories, Lila Music Centre, www.joythroughmusic.com

Why volunteer for the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society—or for any other community, charitable, or social organization?

Each of us has his or her own reasons for contributing time, skills and energy to further the goals of a non-profit enterprise, but the bottom line is usually: because volunteering makes me feel good about who I am, and the world I live in.

That positive feeling is the heart and soul of volunteerism. CVCAS volunteers are motivated by the belief that a vibrant local arts scene makes for a more joyful, engaged community—the kind of community they want to live in.

“We know there are people out there, who will respond to that call,” says CVCAS Chair Bob Johns. “What we need to do is get the word out, because we’re at a point where we’re going to have to recruit more volunteers to keep our programs and events up and running, and make more possible.”

Vice Chair and Performance Committee Chair Bev Knight said the ever-popular summer music series at the bandshell in Waterwheel Park could not go on without volunteers. They hire the bands, do the set ups, pass the hat, MC… carry out all the tasks that make the shows such a success.

“We do have a fantastic group of loyal people,” she said, noting that the same volunteer energy runs the Rainforest Arts gallery; presents Valley Voices poets and authors to the community; organizes festivals and special events.

But planning for the future means encouraging more volunteers to sign up. “We certainly do need some freshness and enthusiasm added to our board and volunteer base,” Knight said. As the COVID era eases its grip, summer approaches, and the pace quickens, the need becomes more pressing.

So the CVCAS and other volunteer driven organizations are hoping people will respond to volunteer call outs—and to the message that volunteering is a fun, fulfilling way to get involved with your community.

Said Knight, “The experience and knowledge of volunteering grows in a person.” For example, she cites: being able to talk in front of large groups as an MC; meeting and greeting complete strangers at events; getting up front and personal with writers, artists and musicians; making friends; growing your skills base; adding depth to your resume.

Find out more about the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society, and how you can get involved, at CVCAS.ca/connect.

Gaslight Classic Thriller Now Showing

The concept of “gaslighting” — psychologically manipulating another person to the point that they question their sanity — is everywhere in today’s culture. Patrick Hamilton established the concept in his 1938 mystery at the turn of the century in London, where a young wife initially believes that the dimming of the gas lights in her home and eerie knocking sounds in the attic are in her imagination, not signs of something more sinister. This new adaptation of the classic Victorian thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as you discover the mysteries of the Manningham home.

This new and contemporary adaption by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson offers everything you’d expect in a good mystery - suspense, plot twists, and interpersonal intrigue. How are things going missing? What are the noises coming from the attic every night? Why is Jack at his club every night? Why are the gaslights dimming? It’s hard not to conclude that Bella is crazy and must go to a lunatic asylum. Gaslight by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson, based on the play Angel Street by Patrick Hamilton, is on stage from April 28 – May 28. www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca

BUFFY SAINTEMARIE: CARRY IT ON

Carry It On features neverbefore-seen archival material, new performance footage and interviews with SainteMarie, Joni Mitchell, Sonia Manzano, John Kay, Robbie Robertson, Jackson Browne and others.

Over a career spanning six decades, Cree musician, artist and activist Buffy Sainte-Marie has used her platform to campaign for Indigenous and women’s rights and inspired multiple generations of musicians, artists and activists. Directed by Madison Thomas, Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On chronicles Sainte-Marie’s rise in New York’s Greenwich Village folk music scene through her groundbreaking career, featuring interviews with Joni Mitchell (singer, songwriter, artist), Sonia Manzano (Maria on Sesame Street), John Kay (lead singer-songwriter of Steppenwolf, solo artist), Robbie Robertson (musician), Jackson Browne (musician), George Stroumboulopoulos (music journalist), Andrea Warner (author) and more.

May 29th Reel Alternatives feature film Buffy SanteMarie: Carry It On, 7pm, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James St., Duncan $17 250-748-7529

Reiki Wellness Services

Relaxing, balancing, Reiki/chakra alignments, Reiki classes, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Foot detox, Healing touch, Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture, GuaSha, Cupping, TuiNa

• Debbie Shkuratoff -

Relax - Balance - Rejuvenate Reiki Master Teacher 250 743-8122

• Francoise Moulin -

• Sara Tillie TCM -

Registered Reflexologist 250 710-0784

Registered Acupuncturist 250 812-9813

Daytime • Evening • Weekend • By Appointment Only #13- Upper Level • Valleyview Centre • Cobble Hill www.reikiwellness.ca • reiki-wellness@shaw.ca

A Thriving Arts and Cultural Community

Arrivals

Inspired by the beauty of our wild West Coast and infused with her love of the ocean and her passion for the natural world, the newest arrivals by the Vancouver Island artist, Lisa Riehl, take us on a soulful journey into the sunrises and sunsets at iconic places and hidden gems along our shores.

Seen through the artist’s eyes as seemingly untouched by human presence, and manifested as contemporary representational works of art in oil on canvas, these scenic wonders come alive in flowing, strategically textured brushwork, using warm palette of pastel corals, golden yellows, creamy whites, mauves and purples, as well as the artist’s signature range of vibrant blues and greens. They invite us to marvel at crystalline shallows on a bright day, to bask in the glow of the golden hour from a forested edge above the Pacific Ocean, to delight in the patterns of shadow and light along rocky shores and expansive sandy beaches, connecting us to the sense of reverence that emanates from them all.

Setting the stage with its impressive scale, the largest painting, “Glowing From Within,” commands attention with its arresting beauty as it visually radiates its nearly ethereal light beyond the flat surface of a 48” x 72” canvas.

Enrapturing a beholder with an elevated view over the water that prostrates towards distant shores in splendid stillness, reflecting the sun suspended above it like a golden orb and skies gleaming in pastel hues, “Glowing From Within” evokes the sense of being there to bear witness to the illuminated spectacle, standing tall among the silhouetted trees in a state of awe and comforting solitude.

Now available for acquisitions through Aquamaris Art Gallery, “Glowing From Within”, Wide Expanse of Day”, “Set My Soul on Fire” and “Daydreams” are proudly showcased in our physical gallery during the month of May, as well as online.

Aquamaris Art Gallery

Upstairs in the historic Duncan Garage Building, Suite 202330 Duncan Street May hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11 am - 5 pm (250) 597-2798 aquamarisartgallery.com and masterly carving inspired by native traditions.

Graham grew up in small Alberta, spending time with Cree relatives living in the old ways. Observing the lifestyle of his grandfather, an herbalist and trapper; Graham saw a man who lived a simple life surrounded by nature right up until his death at nearly one hundred years of age.