Tomorrow will mark five years since Canada declared Sept. 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Songhees Nation and it’s Powwow committee are hoping the rain doesn’t hurt attendance numbers with nearly 20,000 people expected to attend.

The gathering will also feature traditional dance competitions, singing, drumming, along with several Indigenous food vendors.

The fourth annual South Island Powwow is an opportunity to recognize Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation, according to the Songhees Nation website.

Despite the Powwow being a day of celebration, Residential school denialism is top of mind this year and survivors like Eddy Charlie from Orange Shirt Day Victoria are fighting back.

“The more they stomp our truth, the more they press it down, the

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