Duncan’s Queen Margaret’s School and Khowhemun Elementary students, staff and faculty came together in a special ceremony Sept. 16 to celebrate art, community and reconciliation.
As part of his new artist-in-residence partnership with QMS, Stz’uminus artist, John Marston of Chemainus, and his carved cedar canoe were welcomed to Quw’utsun territory by local elders and Chief Lydia Hwitsum.
The canoe rested briefly under a cedar tree on Innisfree Farm before Quw’utsun and Khowhemun singers and drummers led a long procession of students and staff carrying the canoe to its temporary resting place at QMS. During its time at the school, students will have an opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of canoe carving from one of B.C.’s most renowned artists. Students will also learn about traditional Coast Salish design, as Marston will paint and complete the exterior of the canoe during his time at QMS.
“We are deeply honoured by the gift of John sharing his knowledge and artistic skills with the young people of QMS and Khowhemun,” noted QMS art teacher, Loretta Paoli. “We are also grateful for the friendship that our Quw’utsun friends have bestowed upon us. Huy tseep q’u!”
As part of the ceremony, elder Dr. Luschiim Arvid Charlie blessed the canoe with cedar branches, a welcoming song and drumming, while selected guests were asked to act as witnesses of the event – to become keepers of the story to share far into the future. Elder Charlie also shared stories about the legend of thunderbird and the symbolic power the deity has for the Quw’utsun people.
“It’s been a long journey for this canoe,” said Marston. “The work that we’re doing today is a great honour to the spirit of this canoe. Many years ago, the log washed up in our ancient village of Kulleet Bay and my sister helped me pull it ashore. That’s when the work began, over 10 years ago.”
“This ceremony and the whole project are both all about learning and cultural appreciation,” added QMS Head of School, David Robertson. “We are all in this journey together and we’re deeply grateful to John for sharing his knowledge, talent and passion with all of us at QMS.”
The six-week artist-in-residence program was funded by a grant by ArtStarts in Schools through a partnership agreement with the BC Arts Council and the Province of British Columbia. Additional funds have been provided by TELUS StoryHive and the Columbia Basin Trust.