This year’s multicultural day celebration will take place at Totem Hall on Saturday, Feb. 8. Participants of all ages are invited to gather between 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for a day celebrating diversity and building community.
It all started in 1993, when a youth group called the ‘Peace Bus’ arrived in Squamish and spent the night at Totem Hall. Gwen Harry and Donna Billy – Elders of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)-welcomed them with open arms. They put out a call to local religious groups to help with food and hospitality, and Squamish’s Multicultural Day was born.
Now, the day is organized by the Squamish Multifaith Association with the help of many local cultural and religious groups.
“The Squamish Elders, led by Gwen Harry and Donna Billy, are really the hosts that we are collaborating with,” said Geraldine Guilfoyle, the multifaith association’s secretary. “We are the guests.”
The annual, family-friendly event aims to build friendships across cultures. Participants will share food, traditions and stories. It’s a multi-generational event with crafts, dancing, music and singing, fit for everyone to enjoy. Audience participation encouraged.
“I just love to see the unity and diversity,” said Guilfoyle. “We’re coming together as a family.”
First, Squamish Nation youth dancers will perform a welcome dance to kick off the event. This year will feature everything from community services information tables to choir performances, Chilean dances and a never-before-featured Aikido demonstration.
“It’s never the exact same,” said Guilfoyle. “There’s always something different.”
