Cultural evening highlights comedy, fashion and music

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Throughout the day, hundreds of people took part in workshops that dealt with residential school survival. The Survival and Beyond Hope, Help & Healing Gathering was held at the University of British Columbia July 4 to 7, 2002. A Healing through Laughter & Cultural Evening, held at the War Memorial Gymnasium located on the university campus on Saturday was just what some of the participants needed.

More than 100 people enjoyed the comedic antics of comedian Stan Dixon, Alberta comedian Derek Starlight and comedian Grandma Susie. Dr. Evan Adam, talk show host on APTN's Buffalo Tracks, along with Arlene Hollywood Roberts, emceed the evening. A fashion show entitled Tribute to Coast Salish Women was also part of the evening's entertainment. A number of models wearing capes with dresses or pant suits walked on stage while Ann Baker, owner of the Touch of Culture Design and Sewing School in Northern Vancouver, introduced the line of clothing that were designed by the students.

"It was an excellent evening seeing Evan Adam and Grandma Susie perform, and the other talented comedians and performers from across Canada. It was an excellent evening, of entertainment, the audience enjoyed it. I kind of wandered around and spoke to some of them and they enjoyed the evening. Actually it was good medicine for the people - they were in the residential school workshops all day, and laughter is always good medicine, and seeing the creative art work that the students did was really good," said Baker.

Metis singer Sandy Schofield performed a number of ballads that she'd penned herself, and that rounded out the evening.