Kathaumixw Becomes Best Cultural Event in BC

Wednesday June 27, 2001

Powell River knows the International Choral Kathaumixw is an incredible event but now it has been recognized as the best cultural event in the province in its category.

Don James, Kathaumixw's music director, and Terry Sabine, Kathaumixw's administrator traveled to Halifax for Attractions Canada's gala awards ceremony. They accepted a trophy naming Kathaumixw the province's best cultural event with a budget of less than $350,000. The national award in that category went to the Yukon International Storytelling Festival, which has been taking place for over 50 years.

James said the prestigious award was an honour to win.

Established in 1982, Kathaumixw-a First Nations word meaning "a gathering together of different people"-is the largest choral festival of its kind in Canada.

"One of the nice things about the ceremony apart from the pomp and circumstance of the Highland Pipe Band was the two, 30-foot screens that showed video clips of all the provincial winners,' said James.

It was a moving experience to see Kathaumixw choirs singing on the beach, in boats, winners hugging each other, and footage shot around the Powell River Recreational Complex on the big screen.

"It showed Powell River in a pretty spectacular light.'

Carol Hamilton of the Powell River Visitors Bureau is responsible for making the initial suggestion to nominate Kathaumixw for the award, James noted.

Attractions Canada Awards is the only countrywide competition aimed at rewarding the quality, success, innovation, and diversity of Canada's attractions.