The sound of drums and song filled Victoria’s Royal Athletic Park on Tuesday as thousands gathered for the fourth annual South Island Powwow, coinciding with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The event brought together Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members to honour residential school Survivors, remember the children who never came home and celebrate resilience through culture and ceremony.

At noon, dancers and delegates entered the stadium in a grand entry, symbolizing unity and pride. Among those participating was Songhees Nation member NAHAMOWEAH (Melissa Barnhard), who described the moment as uplifting.

“It’s a sea of orange and to me it’s like a sea of love,” she said. “I feel a lot of hope and a lot of love and a lot of connection, on a day where we need to

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