A canoe installation at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre will mark a day of reflection, healing and cultural celebration on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Chilliwack Arts and Cultural Centre Society stated they received a "generous gift" from the Sqwá First Nation and will be holding a special ceremony on Monday, Sept. 30. The event is free and open to the public.
The prototype canoe was carved by master carver Ralph Leon Sr. of Sts’ailes, along with a set of unique paddles carved by inmates at Kwìkwèxwelhp Healing Village, and will be installed at the centre acknowledging the resilience of residential school survivors who made their journey back to their communities, culture and identity, the society stated.
"Bringing it to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre is a symbol of unity, healing and reconciliation."
The day will start with a canoe-dipping ceremony by Sqwá cultural workers at 9:30 a.m. at the boat launch on Lower Landing Road. It will then be paraded to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre for its installation between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
After the installation, attendees are invited back to the Sqwá Band Hall for lunch at 12 p.m.
There are two exhibits people can take in while at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre for the canoe installation – a weaving display and a photography exhibition.
Stó:lō Salish weaving exhibit Salish Story Weavings of S'olh Temexw, curated by Joy Hall, features several woven items with intricate designs and profound narratives woven into each piece. They were made by the following Sto:lo Salish weavers: Teqwotenot, Frieda George (master weaver); Poleqtanot, Saylesh Wesley; Teqwotenot, Roxanne Dool; and Gwasgwasinek, Natalie Jimmie.
Additionally, a photography exhibit by Fred Meyerink will be displayed in the same space. This exhibit offers a compelling visual narrative that explores the intersections of land, culture, and community.
Meyerink’s photography, in collaboration with Indigenous community member Gracie Kelly, captures the deep-rooted connections between people and the natural world, reflecting the themes of resilience, cultural preservation, and the ongoing relationship between Indigenous peoples and their land.
"This powerful collection enriches the day's celebration by visually complementing the canoe installation and weaving exhibit, further honouring the stories and traditions of the Sqwá First Nation," the society stated.
