North Shore Culture Compass launches Coast-Salish Animal Art and Since Time Immemorial Treasure Hunt
The two initiatives are to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month
Thunderbird by Olivia George.
To celebrate National Indigenous History Month, the North Shore Culture Compass has launched two exciting initiatives.
With the Since Time Immemorial Treasure Hunt, people are invited to walk, bike, or drive across what is today called the North Shore to learn more about the people who have lived here since time immemorial, the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) people. This region represents a small part of Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh territory, and the treasure hunt gives a glimpse into the thousands of years the Coast Salish people have inhabited and stewarded this land and their dynamic culture.
Using the clues and map, treasure hunters search for a letter at seven locations and then unscramble them to find a code word. For a chance to win the Grand Prize, they can enter the code word and details online or visit CityScape Community Artspace during opening hours to claim a piece of treasure too. Check back each month between now and September for a new themed treasure hunt to complete.
Coast-Salish Animal Art is another initiative that launched on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Olivia George, a Tsleil-Waututh First Nations artist, was commissioned to create a series of 30 images of animals including birds, supernatural beings, and creatures that will be added to the First Nations category of the North Shore Culture Compass in phases throughout this summer.
Olivia George grew to love art at a young age. Her favoured mediums are acrylic paint on canvas and producing digital designs. After attaining a Graphic Design diploma she has been able to create multiple designs and logos for clients on the North Shore. Being a self-taught Coast Salish artist, George strives to represent a story, an animal, a brand, or any special meaning in a creative, honourable way. Her style is traditional with a simple, modern twist.
“This category showcases the First Nations – our land, our history, our stories – to share with everyone, to honour our ancestors and how we walk on the land, says Rebecca Duncan (Tsitsayxemaat), Squamish Nation Cultural Consultant. “We welcome people to our territory and share the importance of honouring the land, holding hands and walking the trails.”
To view the new animal images and for more information, visit North Shore Culture Compass.
Since Time Immemorial Treasure Hunt is a way to discover more about the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) people, their stewardship of the land, and their culture.
This post was sponsored by North Van Arts.