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Nelson events celebrate 20th anniversary of The Geography of Memory, a Sinixt history

Events will include readings by the author, Eileen Delehanty Pearkes
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Shelly Boyd, Sinixt cultural facilitator, on her first look at the new edition of The Geography of Memory. Photo: Submitted

Two upcoming Nelson events will celebrate Sinixt culture and mark the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Geography of Memory, a Sinixt history by Nelson author Eileen Delehanty Pearkes.

On Monday Oct. 24 at 7 p.m., the Capitol Theatre will screen two short films.

Washed Away by Agathe Bernard explores Columbia River Treaty impacts. Filmmaker Carlo Alcos’ composite of the June 10, 2022, Sinixt celebration at Lakeside Park in Nelson will also be shown.

LaRae Wiley, Sinixt contributor, and Pearkes will read from the expanded edition of The Geography of Memory to round out the evening.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., Touchstones Nelson museum will host a panel discussion entitled Watershed Reflections: The Ecology and Culture of Place.

The panel, including Pearkes, Sinixt cultural facilitator Shelly Boyd, and Jan Englis, will be moderated by Lesley Garlow, museum educator and a member of the Haudenosaunee, Cayuga, Turtle Clan. The discussion will explore the impact modern borders and other political boundaries have on how all people connect to places, most especially the mountains surrounding Nelson.

“The new edition (of the Geography of Memory) speaks to the depth of truth that is possible if historical evidence is seen through an intersectional and collaborative lens, and to the breadth of work ahead of us all when considering Truth and Reconciliation,” says Garlow. “Regardless of the colonially imposed border, the truth is the Sinixt are still here.”

These events are part of a trans-boundary tour that starts in Revelstoke on Oct. 20 and ends at Gonzaga University in Spokane on Oct. 30.

Both Nelson events are free of charge, thanks to the support of the Capitol Theatre and Touchstones Nelson. To reserve your free ticket for the theatre go to https://capitoltheatre.ca or call the box office Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.