South Island Powwow returns on Sept. 30
The Songhees Nation will host the third annual South Island Powwow Sept. 30 at Royal Athletic Park.
The event coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.
“The South Island Powwow brings us together in the spirit of unity and remembrance,” said Songhees Chief Ron Sam. “This day is one for reflection and honour, recognizing our shared history and the resilience of our communities.
“Let us use this occasion to deepen our commitment to healing and as an opportunity to share the vibrancy of Indigenous cultures that have withstood colonization. Together, we build a future rooted in truth and mutual respect.”
Local and mainland First Nations have been invited to participate in the powwow, which will feature a traditional grand entry with song and dance from two host drum groups — Smokey Valley and Wild River — as well as guest speakers, more than 80 vendors and multiple food trucks.
There will also be performances by dance groups and Métis fiddlers.
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said it is an honour for the city to collaborate in “this powerful celebration of Indigenous cultures and resiliency.”
Gates open at 10 a.m. Go to songheesnation.ca/south-island-powwow for more information.
Victoria Conservatory bursaries at record level
The Victoria Conservatory of Music says bursary funding available for students this year has increased to a record $168,000, thanks to a new fund established through a legacy gift from Thomas Underwood.
When Underwood died in 2022, he left the conservatory more than $890,000. That led to the Thomas & Betty Underwood Bursary Fund being endowed through the Victoria Foundation in memory of both Underwood and his late wife.
Through the endowment, about $45,000 in new bursary funds will be available this fall to conservatory students in financial need.
Students will be able to receive between 30 and 60 per cent off of their registration costs with the money.
“We are grateful to receive this extraordinary gift, and to carry on Mr. Underwood’s legacy by keeping music affordable and accessible in our community,” said conservatory chief executive Nathan Medd, who noted that last year, demand for bursary funds at the conservatory outpaced what was available.
“We know that the cost of living has risen, and families are feeling it more than most.”
An electrician by trade, Thomas Underwood took flute lessons at the conservatory, then learned to play double bass after borrowing one from a friend.
He went on to play the instrument in the Cowichan Consort Orchestra, the Cowichan Camerata String Orchestra, and the string chamber group Tall Strings.
Betty Underwood, who was a folk dancer, contributed to her husband’s musical pursuits by collecting tickets at the door of his concerts.
For more about conservatory bursaries and how to apply, go to vcm.bc.ca/learn/scholarships-bursaries-awards/.
Cleanup pulls debris from Inner Harbour, Gorge
Everything from tires to appliances was pulled out of the Inner Harbour and Gorge Waterway as part of a recent cleanup that collected 380 kilograms of debris.
Prince of Whales teamed up with the Surfrider Foundation and Transport Canada for the cleanup using a rigid-hulled inflatable.
Plastics, glass, food wrappers, rope, foam and clothing were also among the debris collected.
Such material can degrade water quality, release microplastics and toxins, and pose risks to marine wildlife.
“Our goal is simple: to protect the Salish Sea for future generations,” said Prince of Whales sales and marketing manager Nik Coutinho. “Every piece of debris we remove is a step towards preserving the marine life and ecosystems that make this place so special.”
Events like the cleanup give people a way to help the environment in a meaningful way, said Katie Keats, beach-cleanup manager at the Surfrider Foundation.
She said the group also lets policy makers know about the types of debris being found on B.C. coastlines.
Prince of Whales plans to conduct another cleanup this fall and invites members of the public to sign up as volunteers by contacting the company at [email protected].
City of Victoria surveying residents on climate actions
The City of Victoria has launched a public-engagement effort that continues until Oct. 11 to find out what climate initiatives city residents want to see.
The city’s efforts to date have included installation of 90 public electric-vehicle chargers, continued expansion of its cycling network, supports for residents wanting to make improvements to their home heating and cooling systems, and improving energy efficiency in new building construction
Feedback from the public-engagement effort will be considered as the city updates its Climate Leadership Plan, which will feature initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, as well as the new Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
City staff plans to present both to council next year.
“While climate change is a global problem, we all have a role in protecting the people and places we love by reducing our carbon pollution and getting ready for climate-caused impacts,” said Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto.
Details of an online survey and other ways to take part in the engagement process are available at engage.victoria.ca/climateaction.
