Reclaiming grandmothers: Woman reconnects with Coast Salish family after long search

Above: Rosemary Georgeson, left, and Fay Blaney. Submitted photo.

By Cara McKenna

A woman’s search for her Coast Salish family has led her to Homalco Nation, where she has connected with relatives that she previously didn’t know she had.   

For years, … Read More

Historic longhouse ceremony installs VIU president

Above: Snuneymuxw Elder Gary Manson, left, and VIU president Deb Saucier. Photo courtesy VIU.

A historic Snuneymuxw longhouse ceremony has been held for the installation of a new president and vice-chancellor of Vancouver Island University. 

Dr. Deb Saucier has been in the role since July, … Read More

Journal highlights scientific knowledge in Indigenous songs

Above: Oqwilowgwa (Kim Recalma-Clutesi), left, and the late Kwaxsistalla Wathl’thla Chief Adam Dick in Deep Harbour. Photo courtesy of SFU.

The breadth of knowledge preserved in traditional songs around the world is being showcased in a recently-published scientific journal.  

An issue of the Journal of … Read More

Hɛhɛwšɩn signs unveiled at Willingdon Beach

Above, from left: John Louie (yaχwum), Phil Russell (kʷʊnanəm) and Cyndi Pallen (čɩnɛ). 

New signs have been unveiled in Tla’amin territory as a way to commemorate the Hɛhɛwšɩn carving project. 

The six-panel sign on Willingdon Beach now sits on the spot where carvers worked with the public … Read More

Tla’amin members lead ‘Walk for Reconciliation’ in Powell River

Above: Cyndi Pallen , left, and Rose Henry of Tla’amin lead marchers in a Walk for Reconciliation on Nov. 10. Photo by Todd Peacey.

Children who were taken from Tla’amin and put into residential school were honoured during a Walk for Reconciliation in Powell … Read More

Homalco launches country radio station

Above: Homalco Chief Darren Blaney, right, leads a blanketing ceremony on Nov. 1. Photo by Todd Peacey.

Homalco has officially launched a new radio station that’s now broadcasting on Vancouver Island. 

The long-awaited station is broadcasting new country music as well … Read More

Witness Blanket transferred to museum after ceremony at K’ómoks

Photo: Media One

By Cara McKenna

The Witness Blanket has settled into its final home in Winnipeg after a ceremony in the K’ómoks First Nation bighouse.  

Now, a book and film are being released about the process of creating the art installation, which … Read More

Annual awards honour Indigenous businesses from across province

Above: Stz’uminus Coun. Roxanne Harris speaks at the BC Achievement Gala

Vancouver’s first Indigenous food truck and Stz’uminus First Nation’s development company were among the honorees at the 2019 B.C. Indigenous Business Awards. 

A total of sixteen businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities and community-owned enterprises were … Read More

Penelakut artist honoured with Fulmer Award

Above: Maynard Johnny Jr. displays his piece ‘Thunder Matriarch’ while standing on the roof of Skwachàys Lodge in downtown Vancouver. Photo by Cara McKenna.

Colourful Coast Salish painter Maynard Johnny Jr. has received a prestigious award for his achievements in Indigenous art. 

The Penelakut and We Wai Kai artist received a Fulmer … Read More

Snuneymuxw fashion house debuts new collection, music

Photos courtesy VFW.

The Snuneymuxw fashion house Ay Lelum has released a new collection as their clothes hit the runways at two Vancouver fashion weeks. 

Ay Lelum-The Good House of Design’s Spring/Summer 2020 line is titled Nan ch’ uw’ nu stli~I Love You/ I Hold You Dear and is inspired by love, … Read More