August 2023 Village Vibe

Where tradition & culture come alive

The South Island

›› Samantha Dean

The South Island Powwow is an annual celebration hosted by the Songhees Nation to honour residential and day school Survivors in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 th Everyone is welcome to join us at Royal Athletic Park, located at 1014 Caledonia Avenue in Victoria, BC thanks to support from the City of Victoria. This vibrant event brings together people from varying Indigenous Nations and communities to showcase their traditions, artistry, and cultures. With a focus on promoting unity, understanding, and respect, the Powwow stands as a testament to the resilience and pride of the Indigenous Peoples of the South Island and all around.

Historical Significance

The Powwow has deep historical roots, tracing back centuries to the time before colonization. For Indigenous communities, these gatherings were essential for fostering community bonds, celebrating seasonal milestones, and passing down cultural knowledge from one generation to the next. With the arrival of European settlers, however, these traditions were suppressed, leading to the loss of cultural identity and practices.

The history of the Songhees Nation Powwow started in 1994, Songhees leadership which included the George family began hosting the Powwow on the arbour field located at Maplebank Road. This Powwow was known to be a staple annual event for Vancouver Island. Years later, organization was passed on to the Joseph family, who hosted into the new century. Due to challenging times and a struggle to maintain infrastructure, the family made the difficult decision to stop hosting this event.

In recent times, there has been a pub-

in this issue

lic-facing revival of Indigenous cultures and a growing interest in reclaiming and preserving the customs of the past. After consulting with the Joseph family, the South Island Powwow emerged as a result of this resurgence, becoming a symbol of cultural revival, pride, and celebration.

Ceremonial Practices

Central to the Powwow are the ceremonial practices that honour ancestors and the natural world. Grand entries mark the beginning of each Powwow, with dancers adorned in their regalia, proudly representing their culture and heritage. The sound of drums, powerful and rhythmic, fills the air, connecting all participants to the heartbeat of Mother Earth.

Dances and ceremonies are performed by participants of all ages, each with its own unique story and purpose. The traditional dances, such as the Jingle Dance, Fancy Dance, and Grass Dance, are awe-inspiring

spectacles that captivate both participants and spectators alike. These dances have been passed down through generations and serve as a living testament to the resilience and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities.

Another vital aspect of the South Island Powwow is to honour Survivors of residential/day schools, the 60s Scoop, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+), children who never made it home from residential schools, and military veterans. We honour these members of our communities in recognition of the loss, resiliency, sacrifices, and service of Indigenous Peoples.

Community and Unity

The South Island Powwow is more than just a cultural event; it serves as a meeting ground for people from diverse backgrounds to come together and learn about Indigenous cultures. Through

storytelling, workshops, and interactive demonstrations, attendees can gain valuable insights into the customs, history, and daily lives of Indigenous Peoples.

This Powwow fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding, and unity, where everyone is encouraged to celebrate and appreciate the richness of Indigenous traditions. It provides an opportunity to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions, open doors for dialogue, and build bridges between Indigenous communities and the wider population.

Through such cultural events, we can strive towards a more inclusive and diverse society that cherishes and celebrates the customs and identities of all its members.

All proceeds raised through donations will go directly to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. We look forward to inviting Nations and communities to join us this September 30th, 2023.

Host Drum Star Child during the first annual South Island Powwow in 2022. Photo: Christian Stewart

Published by Fernwood

Editorial Committee

Chantille Viaud Mila Czemerys

Founding Editor Lisa Helps

Contributors

Samantha Dean Chantille Viaud

Daniel Aire Grace Lore, MLA

Soma Morse Ryan Davis

Stacey Nowak Fernwood NRG

Lauren Gaultier Kayla Siefried

Jesse Wallis Kathryn Juricic

Art Christian Stewart Daniel Aire

Axel Soma Morse

Knotty by Nature CREAM

Lauren Gaultier Mila Czemerys

Kayla Siefried Webmeister Bud

Don Craig Photography

Production Mila Czemerys

Contact us

1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 1G6

T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509

info@fernwoodnrg.ca | villagevibe.ca

To advertise, contact ads@fernwoodnrg.ca

The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NRG.

We gratefully acknowledge that Fernwood, our community where we live, work and play resides on the territory of the Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

declaration of principles & values

›› We are committed to creating a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable neighbourhood;

›› We are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood institutions and assets;

›› We are committed to using our resources prudently and to becoming financially self-reliant;

›› We are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment;

›› We are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them;

›› We are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives;

›› We are committed to governing our organization and serving our neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity and kindness;

›› We are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self-worth, and excellence of our neighbours and ourselves;

›› We are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our neighbourhood’s heritage and diversity;

›› We are committed to creating neighbourhood places that are vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and alive;

›› and, most of all, We are committed to having fun!

Strategic planning insights

Excitement filled the air at the field of dreams during FernFest as members of the community connected with our team at our booth. The purpose was to gain insights into the community’s hopes and dreams for Fernwood and receive valuable feedback on the organization’s role within the neighborhood. As our organization continues its strategic planning process, the booth was another opportunity to understand the community’s needs and aspirations.

Throughout the past months residents have shared heartfelt stories of the joy and connection that Fernwood NRG has brought into their lives. The organization’s programs, like the beloved community dinners, have played a significant role in fostering strong relationships among neighbors. The sense of inclusion and belonging that these events create was evident, and it reinforced the importance of our presence in the community.

Our dedicated staff has voiced apprecia-

tion for being part of a team that values courage, boldness, and creativity. They find fulfillment in knowing their work is making a genuine difference in the neighborhood. Feeling connected to their colleagues and shared goals, the staff’s commitment to the community shines through in the success of the organization’s initiatives.

One crucial realization that has emerged over this period is the vast array of activities that our organization undertakes within the community. Many folks in the community, and even some staff, were surprised by the extent of the things that we do. This revelation has led us to acknowledge the necessity of ensuring everyone is well-informed about the organization’s initiatives and how they align with our core mission.

As the strategic planning process advances, we aim to keep the community and team members up-to-date about ongoing projects and new endeavors. With the fall season approaching, we are eager to take the community’s valuable input and incorporate it into our plans for the future.

We invite everyone with ideas and suggestions for the community and the organization to step forward and share their thoughts.

As we continue our commitment to creating an inclusive and vibrant Fernwood, we look forward to building upon the foundation of joy, connection, and community-driven initiatives. The organization is dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and cared for.

Our journey towards a brighter future for Fernwood has just begun, and the NRG is excited to walk hand in hand with the community (those living here now, and those who will be living here in the future) every step of the way. Together, we envision a neighborhood that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and compassion, making Fernwood an even more exceptional place to call home.

For more information, please email me at executivedirector@fernwoodnrg.ca

buzz: New art at Queens & Chambers

Adjacent to the Queens’ Chambers Boulevard Garden Project at the corner of Queens Avenue and Chambers Street is an assortment of concrete furniture and 4 planters provided by the City of Victoria. After completion of the gardening component of this neighbourhood endeavour, Diane Thompson, a local artist, was selected to paint the furniture with a colourful palate to attract families, kids, and passers by to have a place to rest, jump, and enjoy this newly revitalized area in Fernwood.

With the generous support of The City of Victoria’s My Great Neighbourhood Grant Program, Urban Systems Foundation, Diane Thompson, and Michael Hill, City of Victoria neighbourhood liaison for Fernwood, we were able to create a space for people to gather.

We encourage others to be inspired to create their own neighbourhood space and to drop by our little corner of Fernwood to check it out.

›› Daniel Aire

›› Chantille Viaud

Artist Diane Thompson working on her paintings at Chambers and Queens. Photo: Daniel Aire

ed: What your MLA can do for you!

›› Grace Lore, MLA

As the Member for the Legislative Assembly for Victoria-Beacon Hill – your community representative in the Legislature – it’s my job to make sure that the provincial government is working for you. I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you directly what we do and how my office and I can help.

Outreach! Getting out in community, attending events, and speaking on the provincial matters that are important to you. From tabling at a local community market, to answering questions at PAC meetings, I want to share resources, and be accessible to you.

Resources! We can answer questions about provincial programs and initiatives, provide government documents and refer you out to other local organizations in our community! Alongside copies of the “BC Seniors Guide” and the “Farm Fresh Guide”, we have BC legislature swag, like pins, flags, colouring books, and more.

Casework! If you’re having an issue related to a provincial service, my office can reach out to others in government and help you navigate your concerns. We also

have a commissioner of oaths in the office, who can witness and certify certain documents at no cost. Additionally, we provide free printing, faxing, and photocopying.

Advocacy! I invite you – and everyone in our community – to share your thoughts and priorities on the issues that matter to you. I will listen and share those thoughts with my colleagues in government and work to advance the issues you care about. Whether you have a petition you want presented in the house or are concerned with new legislation, I’m your voice in our provincial government.

If you want to stay connected, I put out a monthly e-newsletter, and actively share on social media about what’s going on in government, and local community. Some recent updates I shared include fee reductions to before and after school care starting this fall and pharmacists now being able to offer prescriptions for birth control and minor ailments like pink eye, UTIs, and more!

Want to know about these programs or what our office can do – you can always reach us at:

250-952-4211 or Grace.Lore.MLA@ leg.bc.ca

land use: Gower Park Project & Land Use feedback

Gower Park

Revitalization Grant & PreCALUC community meeting for 1276-78

Gladstone Ave

›› Soma Morse

Happy summer Village Vibe readers! Hope you are staying cool, hydrated, and taking in a few of the fun events on offer in our neighbourhood. The Land Use Committee (LUC), kicked off the summer season by tabling at FernFest. Tabling is always a great experience and this year was no exception. A wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about all things LUC including the Gower Park Revitalization project and related plans to

build an accessible table and seating area with planters to the park with funding from a City of Victoria My Great Neighbourhood Grant.

After submitting the application at the end of June, we are excited to report that it is tentatively accepted with a few clarifications. We are currently working with City staff to finalize our application. The LUC plans to launch the project at pear season in September of 2023 with other activities taking place into spring and summer of 2024. We invite volunteers to join us in preparation for all aspects of this multiphase project ending with a community celebration held in Gower Park. Contact us at fernwoodlanduse@gmail.com

In development-related news, we had an in-person Official PreApplication CALUC meeting and community consultation July 25, 2023 at the FCA Hall

Keeping Fernwood Community Healthy

at 1923 Fernwood Road for the proposed rezoning and development at 1276 Gladstone Avenue, requesting site-specific rezoning for a mixed-use, 4-storey building containing ground floor commercial

and 18 units of housing. View the plans or send feedback at the City of Victoria Development Tracker website or contact us with any questions or your feedback at the email above.

LUC proposed project location at Gower Park. Photo courtesy of Soma Morse.

August 20, 2023

10am - 5pm

Fernwood Community Centre

›› Ryan Davis

Join us for the 12th annual Fibrations and our second year in Fernwood. Fibrations is an annual one-of-akind public free event and a community celebration of fibre artists for enthusiasts, makers, crafters, the general public, and everyone in between! Passionate fibre artists come from all over North America to come together and celebrate their passion for the fibre arts.

For one beautiful day join us to experience workshops, more than 60 exhibitors, demonstrations open to everyone, handson activities for kids, and a toonie raffle.

Held in beautiful Stevenson Park, come visit and support your many local artists/ creators of fine fibre items. This community-oriented event brings well established fibre artists together, while also providing an opportunity to bring the skills and knowledge to the new artists and providing exposure to fibre craft to future generations.

Van Isle Fibre Shed - Come learn about where the local wool is sourced from farms within the 100 mile fibre shed.

Flax to Linen - Ever wondered how linen is made? Come see the process from growing flax and how it turns into a wonderful historically enduring sustainable fabric.

Kid’s tent - Come bring your budding fibre curious kids (big and little alike!) and experience the joy of creating with needle felting.

Make Fibrations 2023 your August bright spot—we can’t wait to see you there!

We are back again with the CREAM Bazaar Vol. 2! We had such a fun time hosting this fun, interactive vendor market in May that we have decided to do it again! This time around you can still expect tarot, fun photo ops, and food but we will be shaking up the vendors and inviting some new creatives to come sell their wares! You’ll see Common Glass, FRNGE, Sadie Goods, Textile Edit, Antelia, Forest Etiquette, Delicate Realms, and many more. So, keep your calendars open for the CREAM Bazaar coming to you Saturday, August 26, 11am-4pm in Fernwood Square.

Partial proceeds from this market will go to our friends at Threshold Housing Society that helps youth at risk of homelessness find community, support, understanding, and a place to call home where they can be accepted for who they are.

For info, visit creamlifeandstyle.ca

›› Stacey Nowak

Fibrations is a celebration of fibre artists. Photo courtesy of Knotty by Nature.

CREAM Baazar will fill Fernwood Square once again on August 26. Photo courtesy of CREAM Life and Style.

Welcoming Christy Pham to the Board

›› Fernwood NRG

We so happy to welcome Christy Pham to our Board of Directors!

What drew you to join the Board of Fernwood NRG?

As a Fernwood resident, I’ve used many of Fernwood NRG’s community services and have seen some of the interesting social enterprise and events championed over the years. I thought that it would be neat idea to build community to this diverse, innercity neighbourhood by joining the board of Fernwood NRG.

What connections do you have with Fernwood NRG? (or stories?)

When my daughter, who is now 7, was born, I relied heavily on Fernwood NRG services including Mother Goose, Best Babies, infant / toddler daycare, play groups and family dinners. All of these led to the development of a diverse parent network and community for our family and has grown into a passion for the wonderful neighbourhood we live in.

What do you like to do?

It sounds funny, but one of my favourite things to do is go for walks every one to two days from my home to Fernwood Square, which some of my friends refer to as a ‘little bit of Europe’. During COVID, I went every day. On these walks, I like looking for colourful character homes and gardens, while my daughter climbs trees, looks for her favourite pole art and peruses the lending libraries through out the neighbourhood. Our eyes light up every time we reach the square and it never gets old!

What do you do for work?

I’m passionate about building sustainability into the investment returns that I contribute to as an investment manager for BCI (asset manager on behalf of the BC public sector pension funds). A big part of incorporating sustainability into any part of life is ensuring inclusion and equal access to opportunities for all different walks of life. I believe this all starts at the community level and am looking forward to contributing to the vibrancy of our neighbourhood.

What is your connection to the neighbourhood?

I love Fernwood. We moved here in December 2013 and consider it our ‘forever neighbourhood’.

What is top of mind for you as Fernwood and Victoria grows?

The neighbourhood is home to some of Victoria’s most diverse populations and I’d love to see the community services grow in their ability to serve as venues for our diverse population to mix, meet, collide and enrich each others’ experiences.

What is your favourite thing about the neighbourhood?

It’s a central and diverse Victoria neighbourhood with easy access to downtown. Many of the urban issues and solutions people bring forward include food security and urban gardening. These can be experienced right here in Fernwood and I think that is a cool thing.

What opportunities do you see for the NRG?

If Fernwood NRG can provide neighbourhood supports for issues arising out of the housing crisis, there is a real opportunity to further enrich and improve the well-being of Fernwood residents.

Photo courtesy of Christy Pham.

community eats: Fernwood’s Kappo Marta offers modern Japanese cuisine

›› Lauren Gaultier

Kappo Marta, formerly Marta Café, has officially opened on the corner of Bay and Shakespeare Streets—bringing modern Japanese food to Fernwood.

I stopped by for lunch recently. I sat on their large front patio and tried a variety of thoughtfully prepared dishes. I recommend getting a Teishoku meal set. If you’re like me, you might be more familiar with the similar concept of a bento box. These Teishoku set meals come with several dishes including a main, rice, miso soup, salad, pickles, and other assorted items. You will not get bored with a dozen Teishoku set options to choose from featuring chicken, fish, beef, pork, and vegetarian.

I tried the larger assorted katsu set and was pleased to be able to try all the different katsu (cutlet) options on one plate. Equally as delicious was the homemade tofu that was featured as one of the side dishes.

If you are looking for something else to try, then you may prefer to opt for the Donburi, a rice-based dish, or one of their popular ramen noodle soups. Th ey

also have an impressive appetizer selection. There diverse menu ensures that everyone will be able to fi nd something to enjoy.

Check them out in person for lunch or dinner from Wednesday to Sunday at 1600 Bay Street. See their full menu at kappo.ca and follow them at @kappomarta

garden gleanings: Saving water & plans for a winter garden

›› Kayla Siefried, Compost Education Centre

While we here in Victoria have had coolish evenings and skies clear of smoke, if you tune into any news you’re bound to hear about the stage 4 to 5 drought conditions across the province (5 being the highest) and forest fires raging in Central and Northern BC. Surprisingly, 70% of the water that is used in the CRD is used by households, while the remaining 30% is industrial, commercial, and institutional use.

So, what’s an individual to do?

Start with being mindful—are you using unnecessary amounts of water in your garden, to wash your dishes, to clean your body and cloths? Then act! Here are some top tips for reducing water waste in the garden & home:

Water your garden deeply, and less often, this will encourage deep resilient plant roots which can deal with short periods of drought. Cover your soil with

deep layers of leaf or straw mulch (all year round!).

Skip grass watering (let it go dormant) or replace lawns with native plant gardens which require far less water.

Keep a couple small buckets in your shower and in the kitchen sink to harvest excess water from showers, dish washing, veggie washing to water to houseplants, flowers, and ornamentals outside.

Wash clothes only when they are really dirty and use short cycles—same goes for your body!

Let your yellow mellow!

On another gardening topic, now is the time to get ready for a winter garden. Feels strange in the middle of summer, but timing is everything and now is the time to sow winter lettuce, collards, kales,

radishes, and spinach for eating all winter long. Saturday, August 12th from 10am1pm in Haegert Park is the day to come to the CEC’s August Organic Plant Sale to purchase all manner of organic winter veggie starts like purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. There will also be beautiful live pedal powered music. See you there!

The dog days of summer—long sunny evenings, warm temperatures, swimming, vacations, and… drought

Celia Mason filling a bucket with rainwater for using in the garden. Photo: Kayla Siefried

(Left) Assorted Katsu Teishoku Set. Photo: Lauren Gaultier (Right) Spicy Buta Shogayaki Don & Tuna Tataki Teishoku Set. Photo: Mila Czemerys

Join us on Saturday, September 16th

›› Jesse Wallis

Join us on Saturday, September 16th for a celebration of the bountiful late summer harvest from 10am to 4pm.

We will have activities running from 10am onwards including a ‘Planning and Community Orchard’ workshop hosted by the City of Victoria (preregister for this with the City of Victoria), Fernwood Community Centre garden and orchard tour & harvest, community apple pressing, native seed ball making, and—in the spirit of gathering—a community potluck starting at 12pm. Bring your bottles and jugs to take home freshly pressed apple juice with fruit donated from Lifecycles. You can also bring your own apples from your apple trees to press.

The day of community frolicking will be rounded off with Fernwood NRG’s annual AGM meeting which members of the public are encouraged to participate in.

Fernwood NRG’s AGM will be held from 2pm to 2:30pm at the Fernwood Community Centre at 1240 Gladstone Avenue. If you would like to become a member for Fernwood NRG, you can sign up fernwoodnrg.ca/become-a-member It’s free.

We hope to see you there!

›› Kathryn Juricic

We are bustling with a jam-packed schedule of diverse summer events at Little Fernwood from punk music, eclectic art, spoken word, art bazaars, and yoga.

Starting off the month on August 1 st and 2nd, Little Fernwood Gallery is hosting the “Transforming Supports Summer Art Group” featuring work from 10 to 17-yearolds. Don’t miss hyping the youth in our community and their creative endeavors!

On August 4th Little Fernwood will go back to its roots as a mecca for punk shows: check out Dead Rights, Thraddash, Wolf Venom, and Danger Box.

Th en on August 11th, Chicago-based garage power pop band North by North performs at Paul Phillips Hall, with support from local bands Peanut Butter Telephone, The Poubelles, and FaultLine.

From singing to spoken word, on August 16th the hall will showcase Indigenous voices and land stewardship, with a focus on stories at Fairy Creek. There will be monthly Wild Prose Readings that highlight local authors, August 24th and September 25th.

Stretch your mind and body every Tuesday morning for Yoga Babes class from 11am-12:30pm.

And something we must mention but is outside our doors, our neighbour at CREAM is hosting another market in Fernwood Square on August 26th. We love the CREAM Bazaar!

Little Fernwood Gallery will return to its regularly scheduled programming featuring monthly artist, Alysha Farling-Futterman. (You may have seen her enchanting work on the FernFest Field of Dreams!) Working with collected materials—found, discarded, and personal—she creates miniature inner worlds that are inspired by her childhood.

The Little Fernwood Gallery is now accepting applications for artists to showcase their work in 2024. The deadline for applications is August 31st, 2023. Check out our website for more details.

Got a show you’d love to host in Little Fernwood? Every Saturday night in August is available! Book your event today or sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on events, land use, neighbourhood happenings, and more at thefca.ca

FERNWOOD NRG FALL PROGRAMS

SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2023

›› Fernwood NRG

We so happy to welcome Jesse Margolus to our Board of Directors! Jesse is an accomplished and dedicated Project Management Professional with over a decade of experience in successfully managing diverse full-cycle projects. His expertise spans various areas, including negotiating and transferring land to First Nations, leading initiatives in affordable housing, and contributing to food security projects. Jesse recently joined BC Public Service nearly two years ago and currently works with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations.

Jesse is excited to join a diverse team of community members at Fernwood NRG and hopes to bring his work and past board experience to help support the organization at an important time of strategic planning. As a former Chairperson at LifeCycles Project Society, where he actively participated in reimagining food systems in Greater Victoria, Jesse brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Residing in Fernwood for over a decade, Jesse has deeply integrated into the community, experiencing life both as a renter

and a homeowner. This firsthand understanding of the area and its connections makes him all the more committed to Fernwood NRG’s mission and goals. Beyond his professional commitments, Jesse’s heart lies with his family, including his almost 2-year-old toddler. In his leisure time, he enjoys spending time with his family, staying active in the great outdoors, and cultivating his passion for growing food.

Fall harvest of apples ready for pressing into fresh apple juice. Photo: Mila Czemerys

Photo courtesy of Jesse Margolus.

Scene in Fernwood : FernFest 2023

Photos: Don Craig Photography & Webmeister Bud