“In the Presence of Ancestors” reasserts the presence of the original caretakers of these Coast Salish Lands and Waters, inviting all of us to join this legacy of ancestors and ensure a healthy future for all of our relations.
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These lands and waters, currently known as Port Moody, have been cared for by a long legacy of ancestors since time immemorial. These ancestors include the people of Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Səlilwətaɬ, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, and the S’ólh Téméxw. While each of these Nations are unique with their own songs, histories, and languages, they all share in a sacred responsibility to care for the future of these lands and waters. In partnership with the Port Moody Ecological Society, Coast Salish artist Tasha Faye Evans is curating a commission of house posts to be carved by artists from five of these Nations. This collection of house posts will be raised along Port Moody’s iconic Shoreline trail and be called, “In the Presence of Ancestors”. Each house post will raised to watch over these lands and waters and be life-long reminders to current residents of our shared and sacred responsibility to join the legacy of ancestors caring for the future of all of our relations.
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As each house post is carved, the artist will be in residence at the Noons Creek hatchery and will be supported by a program of Knowledge Keepers and artists to highlight each Nation and their history in these lands.
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This Spring, we are focusing on Musqueam. Beginning in April, carver Chrystal Sparrow will be artist in residence. Her house post and creative process will be supported by a program of vibrant artists and Knowledge Keepers sharing Musqueam history, culture and visions for the future.
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In the fall, we look forward to hosting Xwalacktun OBC from Squamish Nation. There will be a program of Squamish artists and Knowledge Keepers throughout the fall and next spring.
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In 2019, Brandon Gabriel carved the “Spirit of Kwikwetlem” in collaboration with Kwiwkwetlem Elders and youth. Currently, Tsleil Waututh artist Zachary George is carving “Grandmother’s Prayer”.
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All house posts will be raised in ceremony by June 21, 2023.
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Acknowledging that we are on the unceded, occupied, ancestral and traditional lands of the Kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish),Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
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Please tune in to our Port Moody Ecological Society (Noons Creek Hatchery) website for news on upcoming programming from xʷməθkʷəy̓əm artists and Knowledge Keepers. Updates are also listed on our Noons Creek Hatchery Facebook page.
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Acknowledging that we are on the unceded, occupied, ancestral and traditional lands of the Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Stó:lō Nations.