Hundreds of people gathered in Victoria, British Columbia on Sunday to join a chorus in support of two Indigenous boys whose singing was silenced at a recent hockey game.
The boys, who are members of the Cowichan Tribes, were singing the national anthem in their traditional language at a Junior B hockey game in Duncan when the microphone was abruptly cut off. The incident sparked outrage and calls for reconciliation and cultural sensitivity.
In response, a group of Indigenous leaders organized a singing event at the BC Legislature to show support for the boys and to promote the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and culture.
The event, called “Sing Our Anthem,” drew a large crowd of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, who joined together in singing the national anthem in both English and the boys’ traditional language.
Chief William Seymour of the Cowichan Tribes expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by the community. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting Indigenous languages and cultures.
“We need to make sure that our languages are not only preserved, but also celebrated and shared,” Chief Seymour said.
The event also featured speeches from Indigenous leaders and performances by local Indigenous artists. Many attendees wore orange shirts, a symbol of reconciliation and support for Indigenous communities.
The incident at the hockey game has sparked a larger conversation about the need for cultural sensitivity and understanding in Canada. Many are calling for more education and awareness about Indigenous cultures and histories.
The boys’ singing was eventually heard by millions of people around the world, as a video of their performance went viral on social media. This has brought attention to the issue and has sparked a movement to promote and preserve Indigenous languages and cultures.
As the event came to a close, the crowd joined together in a round dance, a traditional Indigenous dance that symbolizes unity and community. The message was clear: we must all come together to support and celebrate Indigenous cultures and languages.
The “Sing Our Anthem” event was a powerful display of solidarity and a reminder of the importance of recognizing and respecting Indigenous voices. It serves as a call to action for all Canadians to work towards reconciliation and understanding.
