By Peter Collum
It’s showtime on Saturday, June 7, for the unveiling of Shq’apthut art sculpture celebrating Indigenous heritage as part of National Indigenous History Month.
The public is invited to attend the unveiling of the new installation at the entrance to Waterwheel Park, named Shq’apthut (Gathering Place), which will remind people of thousands of years of Coast Salish heritage in the region and ongoing efforts toward reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and other cultures living on the unceded territory of the Penelakut Tribe, Stz’uminus, Halalt, and Lyackson First Nations.
The sculpture by Penelakut artist Maynard Johnny Jr. will be revealed on June 7, 11 a.m., at the Waterwheel Crescent entrance to the park, in downtown Chemainus.
The project was managed and funded by the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society, with financial, technical, and logistical support from the Municipality of North Cowichan, Island Coastal Economic Trust, Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society, Penelakut Tribe, Rotary Club of Chemainus, BC Marble Products Ltd., and Cowichan Valley Regional District.
The installation is 3.5 metres high by 5.9 metres wide. The side panels depict herons on one and salmon on the other. The two top panels depict eagles. The sculpture will be lit from inside at night.
“This art installation is dedicated to the ancestors and people who have been here since time immemorial,” said Maynard Johnny Jr.
“There were once Indigenous villages in and around Chemainus.”
“The female and male eagle (on the cross beam) signify peace and unity. We encounter uncertainty at times, both in the past and the present. Although it can cause division and conflict, we find a way to come together and celebrate our community and our cultures.”
Join the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society and the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society for cupcakes and First Nations arts and culture: bead makers, medicines, knitting, a craft table and more.
Performers include Smu’t’uqsun Smuneems, Penelakut Tribe Dance Group, Chief Pam Jack, Cactus Cadillacs, Young Wolves Dance Group and Ed Peekeekoot.
The unveiling ceremony will include First Nations entertainment and activities.