“Sometimes carrying on, just carrying on, is the superhuman achievement.” - Albert Camus
It’s difficult to watch events unfolding below the 49th parallel and not feel concern about the censorship and control that’s being exerted over creative expression, personal expression, and cultural expression.
Traditionally there has been so much common ground between Canadians and our American neighbours, but these days it sadly seems more and more important to mark our differences. Artists and arts groups in the USA who receive, or want to receive, federal grant funding must now adhere to specific moral, political and social ideologies. It is vital that we maintain all forms of freedom of expression in Canada, regardless of what happens south of the border.
Creative work and performances by minority and traditionally under-represented groups are being cancelled, defunded and erased, for the simple reason that the creatives involved do not represent a hetero, Christian, Caucasian majority. In the face of rising exclusionary policies, racism and hatred we must continue to share, hear, celebrate and disseminate stories and expression from all of the cultures in our community.
Hatred and fear are once again fuelling the actions of a powerful nation’s government, despite all the times humanity was supposed to learn that this kind of thinking is always wrong. It is this kind of thinking that led to the great shames of Canada’s past.
Mission’s main community gathering place and the location of the Arts and Culture offices, Fraser River Heritage Park, holds the physical reminders of what occurs when fear and hatred are the basis for government action. Horrors like the Residential School system; even though the original St. Mary’s buildings have been reduced to foundations in the park the effects of that place echo through Indigenous communities to this day.
Pekw'xe:yles (the current St. Mary's) will be hosting one of our most resilient local arts groups, Opening Nite Theatre (ONTS), who will be producing their next show Welcome to Paradise in the chapel (34110 Lougheed Hwy). After losing their space last year, ONTS has produced their shows at the Copper Hall, the Clarke Theatre and now Pekw'xe:yles from February 28 through March 16 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays).
On a secluded Caribbean island, free-spirited traveler Rory crosses paths with the sharp-witted and independent Evelyn, an aging woman determined to hold onto her autonomy. What begins as a chance encounter soon turns into an unconventional friendship—one that challenges generational divides and personal preconceptions.
But when Evelyn’s overbearing son and his family arrive, tensions rise, secrets surface, and the question lingers: what really makes paradise... paradise? With sharp humor, heartfelt moments, and a touch of the unknown, Welcome to Paradise is a captivating story of human connection, the meaning of home, and the risks we take to truly live. Tickets and more information at openingnitetheatre.com.
One of our projects in Arts and Culture is related to the internment of Japanese Canadians during the second World War, and the seizure of their property and industries. The tea house inspired amenity that will be located in Centennial Park is a commemoration of the huge impact the Japanese Canadian community had on the pioneering days of Mission farming and industry. Before it was all taken away by a government motivated by fear and hate.
On Saturday, March 29th, from 11am to 1pm the Arts and Culture team will be in the lobby of the Leisure Centre with updated design concepts for the tea house; please come by and take a look, give us your thoughts and help us move towards final design. This project has received significant outside funding and will be a BC Heritage Site.
In times of division in the world it is so important for communities to come together, and arts and culture are one of the most potent vehicles for this. Sharing an experience builds community and empathy, and every time we gather together to experience creativity and culture, we build the social capital that will help us endure dark times and hardship.
Thoughts or comments? Email mark.haney@mission.ca
