On August 31st, 2021, JCAM President (Kelly Kaita) and Lisa Kaita, had the honour of meeting with and participating in a traditional drum ceremony at the First Nations Health Authority in Vancouver, BC. For First Nations Peoples, the drum represents the universal heartbeat of Mother Earth, the Universal goddess and mother to us all. The first sound that was heard in the world was the heartbeat of Mother Earth. First Nations Peoples manifest this heartbeat through playing a special rhythm on the drum. During this ceremony we presented to them a Senbazuru (1000 paper cranes) as a symbol of our memberships support of the “Every Child Matters” movement and the Truth and Reconciliations efforts. In the tradition of gift giving JCAM received a beautiful cedar Eagle feather. First Nations culture holds the Eagle among the most scared of creatures. They represent attributes they aspire to in their communities including; wisdom, courage, dignity and excellence. When an Eagle Feather is presented it is with great honour as it is felt the recipient embodies these qualities.
Greg Shea (Executive Director, Community Capital), Lisa Kaita (JCAM), Kelly Kaita (President JCAM), Kim Brooks (Regional VP, Vancouver Coastal), Syexwailya (Ann Whonnock – Knowledge Keeper)
Artist – Shain Jackson is Coast Salish from the community of Sechelt. He is a lawyer who has represented the interests of Indigenous communities and organizations throughout British Columbia in relation to a broad array of issues. After years devoted to the legal profession Shain has taken a break to follow his passion as an artist.