This Episode is audio from the very first Connection Project Event held in Sidney BC on October 6th, 2018.
From Emily Olsen, Founder:
2021 marks the fourth year of the Connection Project Mental Health Storytelling event. Since transitioning to a new job and beginning my pursuit of a Fine Arts Degree, I have not recorded any new podcasts. During the winter of 2020/2021, however, I had the idea to share audio from the first inaugural event since we didn't release all the footage on video. What came from the 2018 event was a documentary highlighting inspiration for the project, speaker stories, interviews with cast, crew, and audience members, as well as footage of the wonderful closing song, "Fire Within." When I listened back to the full audio last month, I discovered a renewed desire to release the event in its entirety.
The Connection Project 2018, Opening Night: My sister-in-law Joni Olsen welcomed everyone to the W̱SÁNEĆ Territory and opened the floor for the work to be done in a good way. She also uplifted me with her words and gave me the courage I needed to walk out on that stage for the very first time. Thank you to the speakers who shared with vulnerability from their personal lives: Wendy Picken, Jeff Custeau, Ian Bruce, Elizabeth Hall, Ryan Painter, and Ocean Johnston. Special Mention to Ella Baron who gave the Connection Project permission to use her illustrations previously published in the Guardian Magazine on June 27th 2017. Ocean Johnston also performed her original song "Mend" and Karen Lee White and Leslie Gentile performed "Fire Within" which has since become a source of great strength for those connected with the project.
This was only the beginning of the Connection Project. I continue to be astounded by the resilience and courage of others and so the Connection Project will continue to be a space where these stories, our stories, can be witnessed.
Lastly, I wish to thank Trevor Dineen and Ify Chiwetelu of the CBC Radio Show, Now Or Never, for their inspiration and love.