Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan has accepted a ‘Respectful Acknowledgement’ pledge from the Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO).
The pledge was given by PGSO Executive Director Ken Hall, during the intermission of a performance of Dvorak’s ‘New World’ Symphony in Vanier Hall on Sunday.
The plaque will be displayed in the PGSO office.
“The PGSO’s pledge to respectfully acknowledge our unceded ancestral lands celebrates another positive step forward on the Road to Reconciliation. The PGSO asked us last summer what we could do ‘together’ to acknowledge our nation and strengthen our relationship. We suggested a Respectful Acknowledgement Event and here we are in Vanier Hall,” said Chief Logan.
“So much of our history is about our language Dakelh (Carrier), our connection to our unceded ancestral lands which have sustained us for over 9000 years and sharing our stories through songs and drumming. The PGSO serves a similar role in our community by introducing us to music from around the world and helping all of us feel connected in the process.”
PGSO Executive Director Ken Hall added that the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation has always welcomed the Prince George Symphony Orchestra in its unceded territory and home community of Prince George.
“In recent years as we have all become more knowledgeable about the truth of Canada’s history with its Indigenous citizens, we looked for ways to reach out and connect with our Host First Nation, the Lheidli T’enneh,” said Hall.
“In the past our orchestra has performed with Lheidli T’enneh’s own Khast’an Drummers and less than a year ago, we performed with well-known Lheidli singer/songwriter Kym Gouchie. Our Board felt that providing a pledge of Respectful Acknowledgement to the Lheidli T’enneh was the right next step in growing our relationship. We will display our Respectful Acknowledgement plaque with great pride in our office so that everyone who enters will know how much we cherish this important relationship.”
Lheidli T’enneh has previously accepted Respectful Acknowledgement pledges from the City of Prince George, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, Prince George Public Library, College of New Caledonia, Prince George Pediatricians, Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, Save-on-Foods Pine Centre, London Drugs Parkwood and the University of Northern BC.
