Burnaby Schools
Created by: April Strickland & Brandi Price
Indigenous Education
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day- June 21, 2020
Activity-Coast Salish Artist
National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on June 21st of every year. It began in 1996 and was originally called National Aboriginal Day. The day commemorates and honours First Nations, Inuit, and Métis People’s cultures, histories, and contributions to Canada. June 21st was chosen because it is the longest day of the year and has long been celebrated by Indigenous Peoples.
This day is an opportunity to recognize the historic contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the development of Canada. There are many ways to celebrate the day but as June is also National Indigenous History Month there is an opportunity to learn about Indigenous history and to deepen our understanding of Indigenous people and their role in the present-day and future of Canada all month long.
Coast Salish Artist Activity
Here is a list of Coast Salish Artists that you could show students during the week of June 15-19 to celebrate Indigenous Day (June 21).
We suggest reading the paragraph on the artist, show the picture of their art and read the meaning behind their art.
Before introducing the artist, please read the following to the students so they understand who the Coast Salish People are and the meaning behind the art they create.
The Coast Salish peoples are indigenous to the lower mainland of Vancouver and southern tip of Vancouver Island, B.C. extending to the northern Washington State in the U.S.
Although there are many First Nation in B.C., 30+ years ago the Coast Salish were the least familiar to the general public and their art was almost completely unknown subject to early settlement by Europeans. Historically, the Coast Salish were one of the most numerous indigenous groups and their art was unique and powerful both in subject and form. Not only did they carve large-scale houseposts adorning their longhouses (which were mainly used for structural purposes to hold up the crossbeams for the roofs of the longhouses) but they also carved figures and delicate engravings that embellished ritual implements, utilitarian tools (e.g. spindle whorls) and personal ornaments including textiles and blankets that were considered items of wealth that were worn on ceremonial occasions. Today, the Coast Salish territory is the most heavily populated part of the province and their unique art form has again flourished.
Source: https://susanpoint.com/about/
MONDAY: Artist-Susan Point Art Title- Over Black Tusk
SUSAN A. POINT – is a descendant of the Musqueam people; she is the daughter of
Edna Grant and Anthony Point. Susan’s distinct style has stimulated a movement in Coast Salish art. She draws inspiration from the stories of her ancestors and commences the use of non-traditional materials and techniques, therefore inspiring a whole new generation of artists.
http://salishweave.com/gallery_items/over-black-tusk/
Over Black Tusk– The Black Tusk is a mountain that is a part of the Garibaldi Range of the Coast Mountains, located just south of Whistler, BC. According to Coast Salish legends, the Black Tusk is said to be the Thunderbird’s favorite perch. In my design, the Thunderbird is covering the tip of the mountain, as though the creature was connected to the range
. TUESDAY: Artist- Splash Art Title- No name-carving art
Aaron Nelson-Moody– or “Splash”, lives and works in the Capilano Village on the North Shore of Vancouver, British Columbia. These days he is working mainly on jewelry engraving and repousse, and still carves the larger house posts and panels. He has worked with community groups and students in a number of schools in the Squamish and Vancouver areas since 1995, as well as sharing in Japan and Scotland. http://splashingeagle.ca/page4/files/archive-oct-2012.html (first picture)
Carving art-It had some red cedar flat carving on a 5’ by 7’ panel, with some engraved and reposed copper additions. It depicts the spirit of the Cheak’mus area, with the face being my way of visioning the spirit, with eagles for hair, and salmon for the eyes. The two repousse faces in the wings are Wawantee, which are the spirits in the valley which watch over the people and animals, and the little round panels off to the sides are deeply engraved ‘rubbings panels’, which the students at the Outdoor School can use to make some artwork with.
WEDSNESDAY: Artist- Holly Campbell Art Title- Our Journey Canoe, Nation to
Nation” Basket
Holly (Williams) Campbell-My name is Holly-Anne (Williams) Campbell. I was given my ancestral name Quyupulenulwut on January 14th, 2016. I come from the
Tsawwassen First Nation, Haida nation and married into the Musqueam First Nation. My biggest influence is my mom Sharon Hitchcock from Haida Gwaii – she used mediums such as canvas, silver, argillite and even carved masks. My Auntie Loretta introduced me to Cedar it’s been a part of my life ever since. My Dad has always believed in me and kept me inspired.
https://www.tsawwassenmills.com/en/mall-artwork/woven-baskets/
“Our Journey Canoe, Nation to Nation” Basket- We once travelled far and wide from nation to nation on our sacred canoe. As we travelled on our almighty cedar, it gave us protection on our journey to our sacred house of healing. When we made it to our destination we were all welcomed with open arms. Song, dance, tears and teachings from our elders. We all sat and shared a meal together as we still do till this day.
THURSDAY: Artist- LessLIE Art Title-Spinning Whorl(d)
LessLIE-Born Leslie Sam Robert in 1973, in Duncan, British Columbia, lessLIE is Coast Salish from the Cowichan, Penelakut and Esquimalt Nations, and also Irish, Italian and French heritage. While working on his undergraduate degree, lessLIE began to study Coast Salish art. At the time, his cousin and Coast Salish artist, Joe Wilson, was a great source of inspiration and encouragement. lessLIE is artistically bound to Coast Salish art traditions and mythology. Although versed in eye-catching contemporary graphic designs, his practice remains true to Salish art forms and style.
http://salishweave.com/gallery_items/spinning-whorld/
Spinning Whorl (d)-With the concentric circles of your eyes, focus on the black circle in the center of this design. After a minute or two, notice how a spinning feeling is evoked through the concentric crescent rings of the design. Looking at another point in the room after this can also alter your perception of reality. This is one of the intentions of this work, to alter perceptions of reality and notions of Coast Salish art. With this work, I wanted to evoke the spinning feeling of spindle whorls through a graphic medium. I wanted the image to have life and be interactive. I wanted the work to holistically be perceived beyond the aesthetic confines of the paper, ink and frame. I was inspired to create this design as a result of the exhibition Out of the Frame, curated by Dr. Andrea Walsh. The optical art influence should be obvious. I wanted a contemporary Coast Salish graphic work with cross-cultural influences which would challenge people’s notions of indigenous art forms as static.
FRIDAY: Artist- Debra Sparrow Art Title- Out of the Silence
Debra Sparrow– Originally a Coast Salish Graphic Artist. In 1983, Debra joined a class of women in Musqueam which focused on the revival of Salish textiles and has since been combining textile and Salish designs in a contemporary way through geometric, hand spun blankets and hangings.
https://www.yvr.ca/en/about-yvr/art/musqueam-welcome-area (third picture)
Out of the Silence-These four large weavings represent an esteemed and enduring art form among the Coast Salish people. For many centuries before European contact, intricately woven Coast Salish blankets were worn or distributed during social and religious ceremonies. The women who created Out of the Silence chose to use a number of traditional patterns, made up of diamonds, squares and zigzags, to honor the endurance of their craft and to signify their identities as weavers.