You are being called upon to witness the story of Stó:lō trans woman Saylesh Wesley.
The short film Slhá:lí (Woman) filmed and directed by Á’a:líya Warbus will be screened at a special event July 21 at The’í:tselíya, the S.A.Y. Health & Community Centre on Chilliwack River Road.
Slhá:lí follows the journey of Saylesh Wesley, who was the first to break ground as a trans woman, and to start reshaping her Stó:lō community by confronting its rigid gender roles.
“All I can hope for is to tell a story honouring someone’s life experience, and that the community can receive this as a part of our story,” Warbus said in an interview.
Slhálí Trailer_Mar2021.mp4 from Á'a:líya Theresa Warbus on Vimeo.
The film explores Wesley’s early experiences, and eventual path of self-discovery for someone who initially had no role models to follow.
“Saylesh being the first trans person to participate in our sacred cultural ceremonies was something that started to shift perceptions of gender, and gender roles, in how we structure our ceremonies,” Warbus said.
On-screen Saylesh recounts her pain, joys, and her relationship with her community.
The film sheds light on Wesley’s work and influence on other Indigenous youth coming up behind her, and the filmmaker said she also hopes the short film will be “seed work” for future explorations on the topic.
The event will include a Q&A on Slido run by an experienced moderator after the film.
“There is a lot to discuss and learn about uncovering all aspects of our identities,” according to the release.
The screening event is hosted by Sto:lo Nation in partnership with United Way of BC and Qwí:qwelstóm Justice Program.
Slhá:lí will be shown on July 21, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The’í:tselíya S.A.Y. Health & Community Centre on 7256 Chilliwack River Rd. Free admission, dinner at 6:30, door prizes. Open to all.
Register with Evite for tickets (https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/slhali-a-free-film-screening-about-a-trans-two-tickets-669427925947?fbclid=IwAR0WkFh_Ma7Pkq8hW_AKaqoX2jYyyE2djx2EpaO_-ZtdLDAbg7tICc6FruU) or Email Heather.Walker@StoloNation.bc.ca or call 604-798-3328
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