DEEP CREEK, B.C., JULY 24, 2020 – Xatśūll First Nation (Soda Creek Indian Band) members participated in one of the first events on July 22 since COVID-19 hit.
Janae Beaulieu organized a paint night and says it went really well.
“We had about 15 people show up. We had spots for 20 so that was good.”
Attendance was higher than she’d been hoping for noting that while the spots were filled up it’s common for people to back out at the last minute.
“We had a few people cancel because they weren’t feeling well which is good because then they’re keeping everybody in the gym safe.”
A paint night last year was really well received by the community. At that point, they decided they would do another one in a few months but it had to be put on hold because of COVID-19. Now that restrictions have eased somewhat, there will be a few paint nights.
“We’re going to have one once a month for the next three months.”
It was the first outing for artist Megan Peach since COVID-19, according to Beaulieu, adding Peach had been doing online classes.
“It was kind of like an ice breaker to get out into the groups again for her,” says Beaulieu, adding that the group painted a dreamcatcher to keep things cultural.
“Everyone’s was so unique and different. It turned out really well.”
Beaulieu says she tries to have activities for the entire family and that it’s good to get moms, dads and sometimes even grandparents to come out.
The next paint night will be on August 21 and they’ll be painting a wolf howling up at the moon. She notes spaces are limited due to COVID-19.