Strengthening Relationships with Indigenous Cultures and Honoring the Land
At Dance Temple Gathering, we hold deep respect for the traditional stewards of the lands on which we gather. This event takes place on the traditional territory of the Ditidaht and Hul’q’umi’num-speaking peoples. These lands are home to the Cowichan Tribes, the largest First Nations band in British Columbia, known as the Quwʼutsun in the Halkomelem language.
The Cowichan Tribes are composed of several tribes, including the Comiaken, Kilpahlas, Clemclematis, and Koksailah. The Malahat Nation, also a member of the Cowichan Tribes, shares the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Hul’q’umi’num-speaking people.
We recognize the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities, including the legacy of residential schools. This venue, once a residential school, now serves as a center for restoration and community support, aligning with principles of healing and reconciliation.
Our Commitments:
- Honor the Land and Its Peoples: We gather with reverence for the Quwʼutsun, Ditidaht, and Hul’q’umi’num-speaking peoples, honoring their stewardship, culture, and resilience.
- Amplify Indigenous Voices: We seek opportunities to collaborate with Indigenous leaders, artists, and educators, ensuring their contributions are acknowledged, compensated, and celebrated.
- Educate and Reflect: We encourage participants to learn about the history of these lands and the communities that have called them home since time immemorial.
- Support Restorative Practices: By aligning with the venue’s mission of restoration, we commit to fostering an environment that promotes healing, mutual respect, and cultural understanding.
- Environmental Stewardship: Inspired by Indigenous values of interconnectedness, we commit to caring for the land and minimizing our environmental impact.
What This Looks Like in Practice:
- Land Acknowledgement: Our gathering will begin with a land acknowledgment recognizing the Quwʼutsun, Ditidaht, and Hul’q’umi’num-speaking peoples and the history of the venue.
- Respectful Engagement: All interactions with Indigenous individuals or communities during the event will be conducted with humility, gratitude, and respect for their protocols.
- Educational Opportunities: We are hoping to employ some local indigenous dancers to bless our Gathering as part of the opening ceremony. We’re also open to other ideas from the community of how we might provide more educational opportunities.
- Community Giving: Where possible, a portion of proceeds or resources will be allocated to support local Indigenous initiatives or organizations.
We understand that restoration and reconciliation are lifelong practices requiring humility, accountability, and action. Together, we aim to create a gathering that honours the sacredness of the land, its peoples, and the journey toward healing.
