Today is officially our first day of the Conference!

I felt quite excited for this event! We started off welcoming guests and presenters to our opening ceremony which was at 9 to 10 a.m. Everyone gathered around and sat in a circle in the auditorium. There was a wonderful opening performance by the First Nations drum group which consisted of only four people. The rhythm of the music occurred in unity, which made me think of the symbolism of unity and togetherness.  It always amazes me how beautiful songs can be created with just voice and the beat of the drum!

After the opening ceremony, various sessions are officially starting! We have the Creative Lounge in one corner, which Joanna and I have been helping setting up the Threading Our Stories button blanket making, the mandala drawing, and the badge/button-making (all part of the Creative Lounge); the Picture of Health in another corner led by the medical students working at the LE; the food and drinks in another corner, and other mini stations hosted by UBC students working at the LE. The sessions upstairs were hosted by our colleagues and presenters who often work multiple jobs, all with a common goal of shaping and building the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community.

The first session that I attended was the Fear, Courage and Joy presented by the Drama Club. I could really tell that every actor and actress had fun performing on stage! I also admire each one of the presenters’ courage to overcome the fear of learning and speaking English in a foreign country. I had a great time as an audience myself! Of course, there were tons of other amazing sessions happening at the same time and after lunch. I wished I could attend other sessions, but it was impossible to sit in on those sessions while also facilitating and animating the events that I was in charge of. As the day went by, there were more and more guests arriving to participate in our sessions, which was lovely because the more people coming the better!

Stay tuned for more events on Day 2!