TICA: A Sincere Thank You

On September 18, 2021, members of our community joined in the dedication and celebration of the Grand Opening of Forbes Hall Community Centre.  

It was one of the largest groups ever assembled there, with the sun striking us with its brilliance in between bouts of rain.  People stood or sat while listening to the emotional and sincere dedications by Penelakut elder Florence James, artist Maynard Johnny Jr, and speaker Rocky James. We celebrated as Maynard's beautiful artwork was dramatically unveiled to reveal its installation on our hard-earned new community hall.  We watched and listened to Cody Jack and his group of Penelakut dancers and drummers as they powerfully shared their culture with us, while their feet hammered into the soil our connectedness with each other.

After several islanders spoke about community participation and its accomplishments, Maynard Johnny Jr and Ella Kasting, great-granddaughter of one of the original donors of the land, cut the red ribbon announcing the official opening of Forbes Hall Community Centre.

The celebration ended in the sunshine, with a well-enjoyed BBQ lunch.

We thank the many people who contributed to the success of the day: the event planners, the speakers, those who set up and took down all the equipment (while trying to outguess the weather), and those who prepared, cooked, and served the food.  A sincere thank you to all the Penelakut members who came over to celebrate with us, laying significant building blocks to the bridging of our communities.

And, lastly, thanks to the more than two hundred people who came to be part of this community milestone: your presence was profound.

Sincerely 

Thetis Island Community Association Board of Directors

Link to photos (Carol Sowerby-credit)