First Nations flutist performs Saturday at English Camp

The haunting sounds of English Camp’s ancient past will return Saturday, 2 p.m., when Saanich flutist Che-ok’-ten performs on the English Camp parade ground.

The program is free. A golf cart is available to transport disabled persons to and from the parking area. Call 378-2902 or 378-4409 for additional special access information. The program will be moved inside the barracks if it rains.

Che-ok’ ten, also known as Paul Wagner, comes from a lineage of Shneh’em, medicine people who in healing use many tools, including music.

Che-ok’ten also plays the mbira and Chipendani from Zimbabwe, the digeredoo, and the guitar, bass and drum. He has performed extensively in the Pacific Northwest and has worked with Seattle-based recording artists such as Bill Frisell, Eyvind Kang and Gina Sala.

Che-ok’-ten said his flute songs have come to him with visions of healing and prayer for all relations. He said he was deeply touched as a child by the ancient tradition of sound energy healing work practiced at the Indian Shaker Church. This form of healing is similar to the Sissiwiss (Sacred Breath/Sacred Life) practice used by his grandparents, he said.