Edmonton anti-racism festival celebrates Asian, Indigenous cultures: ‘All people matter’
Posted May 22, 2022 11:31 am.
Last Updated May 22, 2022 11:36 am.
A celebration of two different cultures – and a vocal opposition to racism – was at the heart of a festival in Edmonton’s Kinistinaw Park this weekend.
Traditional song and dance highlighted the Indigenous and Chinese Youth Festival.
The event was organized by the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) Youth Council and the Enoch Cree Nation Youth Council.
“I think that this is the first time that together we’ve been performing and sharing our culture, just as our two communities,” said Eric Au, the chair of the CBA youth council. “And it was actually put together by the youth and elders both from each community to do this project together.”
There was a mix of Chinese and Indigenous performances, like a high school student singing and performing in Mandarin, or members of Enoch Cree Nation and Cold Lake First Nation doing welcome dances to drum songs.
The crowd was even invited to participate in a round dance.
The festival organizers and performers also took time to recognize the two Asian men who died after being attacked in Chinatown this past week.
“We lost two important members of our community,” said Au. “Hung Trang and Ban Phuc Hoang. The senseless attacks against their lives have left a deep impact on the Chinese community.”
Jason Skani from Cold Lake First Nation performed a healing dance dedicated to the Asian community.
“All people matter,” said Skani. “Doesn’t matter what colour we are, what language we speak, where we come from.”
The organizers say it was very important to explore themes of anti-racism while putting together an event for Edmonton youth.
“I mean they’re the next generation, they’re going to be the future leaders, and it’s important to make sure that their voices are heard and they understand the world they live in,” said Seth Brown-Cardinal, the coordinator of the Enoch Youth Advisory Council.
The anti-racism, cultural event is running all weekend.
