Xweýene:msta:m ?əkwəsqwel, seýeḿ (translation: call to witness / listen to respected one) is a performance to honor Orange Shirt Day on Thursday, September 30, 2021, presented by the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Blending traditional Coast Salish song and regalia with contemporary music and performance, Xweýene:msta:m ?əkwəsqwel, seýeḿ asks the viewer to bear witness to the ongoing tragedy of the lost children of Canada’s residential schools and the country’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
The act of honouring and remembrance in a public forum, is an important and crucial component of Coast Salish culture. Blending ‘western’ and Coast Salish performance, Xweýene:msta:m ?əkwəsqwel, seýeḿ asks us to always remember. By doing so begins the work towards true reconciliation.
Performers will include Mortal Coil Performance Society, Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) and Butterflies in Spirit.
This event is free and open to the public and will take place on šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly known as the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza). Attendees are encouraged to wear orange.
Want to learn more? Check out the link for more information:
https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/events/orange-shirt-day-2021
Image: Thunderbird performed by Joseph Paul
Photo: Sarah Race, Courtesy of Tsatsu Stalqayu and Mortal Coil Performance Society
