Camas Day on Sunday April 30,2023 was the best! Weather was cool but dry and the clouds made for better photographs. Over 200 people listened to Songhees Knowledge Keeper Florence Dick’s heart-felt welcome talk. Everyone learned protocols for having our indigenous people speak… with a blanket and a headpiece for the heart and love, given to Florence by Mayor Kevin Murdoch before she spoke. He then acknowledged her words. A personal gift was given to Florence by Friends of Uplands Park.
Margaret thanked Florence, Oak Bay Council, Oak Bay Parks, the FOUP Board members and all the volunteers that have helped to restore natural area parks, and the volunteers helping at Camas Day, encouraging all community members to work together with indigenous people as one to look after the land. Florence also did the closing.
Fifteen organizations had excellent displays that engaged over 400 visitors. The numbers were similar to last year, but people stayed around for much longer, enjoying the displays, Ron Carter and the Bald Eagles Band, the food, family activities and just chatting with each other. The Wildflower Walks with Wylie Thomas and Matt Fairbarns were very well attended.
Thanks to Florence, Mayor Kevin and the Oak Bay Councillors, Chris Hyde-Lay and Oak Bay Parks staff, the FOUP Board, the Bald Eagles Band, the displaying Organizations and their representatives, the FOUP volunteers and to all the local businesses and people that donated food and prizes. You all made the day the best!
Margaret Lidkea,
President of FOUP
Friends of Uplands Park Society 