THe Secret PAth IMages
Chilliwack Cultural Center,
September 23 to October 15th, 2024
“Every Child Matters”
I meet Leilani through a mutual friend, Leilani is a Cultural Support worker in the Fraser Valley. Leilani competes in dance at PowWows throughout BC. A quote she shares on her Instagram page, says a lot about who she is. “I am never in control of what happens around me but I am always in control of what happens within me”.
“Totem Carving”.
Francis Horne Jr. has watched his father, Francis Horne Sr. carve since childhood. He carved his first mask when he was twelve years old, and sold the first one at thirteen. Francis has experience carving poles, masks, and rattles. He has also worked on a canoe that his father made for the Commonwealth Games. Francis works in traditional styles while continuing to explore new ideas. He is well on his way to becoming one of the prominent Northwest Coast artists of his generation. Francis Horne, Jr. was born in Chilliwack, B.C. in 1975, and is from the Coast Salish Nation, which represents the lower mainland of British Columbia.
“Wahkotohwin"
Peter Lang, Candidate for Region 2 Director of the BC Metis Federation, this image is called 'Wahkotohwin" which is a Cree word which denotes the interconnected nature of relationships, communities, and natural systems. Its literal meaning is "kinship", but it is often used to refer to Cree law, or Cree codes of conduct. Peter is holding an image of his great grandmother, who was Cree and Metis, Peters boots are made locally by a Sto-Lo, first nations artist, signifying the link and partnership between peoples and communities.
“Canoe Games”
Canoe culture has been a part of the Indigenous Coast Salish Peoples' ways since time immemorial. Canoe racing is more than a sport – it's a way of life. When you are on the water you are one with the ancestors, every stroke, every time you put your paddle in the water, it is a prayer, a connection to the ancestors.
“PowWow”
Pow Wows are powerful Indigenous gatherings where you’ll find multiple generations coming together to enjoy food, honour traditions, forge a sense of community, and practice spiritual healing. Bask in the joyful reclamation of traditional dances and songs, and sense the palpable pride of Indigenous dancers, drummers and singers as they embody the power of Pow Wow.
“Cheam Eagle”
The Native Eagle Symbol is known as “The master of skies” and is a symbol of great significance. He is believed to be the creature with the closest relationship with the creator. Soaring to great heights, he can travel between the physical and the spiritual world. He is said to be a messenger to the creator. Unlike the raven’s ability to send messages down, the eagle sends messages and prayers up to the Creator.
“The Power of Storytelling”
Storytelling is the beating heart of Indigenous culture as it is the primary way in which their history has been recorded. For millennia, First Nations’ history, educational stories, and the stories of country, creation and tradition have been passed down through the generations. Today, the practice of storytelling sustains communities, validates experiences, nurtures relationships and serves as a form of important cultural continuation for Indigenous peoples.
“Vedder River Dancer”.
Almost as soon as Sebastian Abbott could walk, he started powwow dancing. “The beadwork is my family crest,” Sebastian said with pride about the bottom apron of his regalia. He started out on the powwow trail as a Chicken dancer, which features one feather bustle, but now he’s advanced to the Men’s Fancy category wearing a double-bustle.
