September 9, 2019
West Vancouver, B.C. – The Community is invited to attend the unveiling of a newly commissioned sculpture by Coast Salish artist Halikium/Wade Baker, on Friday, October 4, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Library’s Main Hall.
The work, entitled Panel of Knowledge: Tyee Salmon and Eulachon, was commissioned by the Library as part of its ongoing Honouring Reconciliation initiative. The purpose of the commission was to create a work that reflects and interprets the rich culture of the Squamish Peoples and to promote reconciliation and respectful relationships in West Vancouver. Funding for the work was provided by the Friends of West Vancouver Memorial Library.
The unveiling event will begin with a traditional welcome by Chepximiya Siyam’/Chief Janice George, followed by remarks by artist Halikium/Wade Baker. Everyone will be able to experience this panel sculpture and learn more about the artist and the story of the work through a display in the Library’s Art Gallery. Refreshments will be served.
“My designs encompass an entire story. In this sculpture, Tyee salmon are knowledge keepers. They represent the diverse and inclusive knowledge to be found in the Library. The salmon are mentoring and giving direction to the eulachon, who are essential to the life of the community,” says artist Wade Baker.
The Library’s Acting Director, Pat Cumming, says: “This new work of art is an expression of our commitment to reconciliation. We chose the McDonald Creek Meeting room, our newest public meeting space, as the location for this piece, where it will be appreciated by all and will convey an important message about caring for the land and water on the traditional territories of the Squamish Peoples.”
In the Gallery: Halikium/Wade Baker: Sculptor, Graphic Designer, Carver, October 4 – November 12
Accompanying the unveiling of this new artwork is an exhibition documenting the creation of Panel of Knowledge: Tyee Salmon and Eulachon and the ways in which Wade Baker uses public art to tell stories and express the time honoured traditions of the Coast Salish Peoples.
This event is being held on the traditional and unceded territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam First Nations.
For more information, please contact:
Sue Kent, Head of Communications
skent@westvanlibrary.ca, 604.921.3456
Background
Halikium/Wade Baker
Wade Baker is a sculptor, graphic designer and red cedar carver. Creating art since he was a teenager, he has worked in steel, wood, glass, marble and many other mediums. As a descendent of ancient Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, Tlingit and Haida nobility, Wade has inherited a rich artistic legacy. In these traditions, art is not a separate activity but is interwoven in life, language, custom and culture. His stainless steel North Star was commissioned for the 2010 Olympics and stands at the Vancouver Olympic Village site. For more information please visit Sky Spirit Studio https://www.skyspiritstudio.com/about
Honouring Reconciliation
2019 marks the third year of Honouring Reconciliation at West Vancouver Memorial Library. This initiative is the Library’s ongoing response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report which outlines that “governments, churches, educational institutions, and Canadians from all walks of life are responsible for taking action on reconciliation in concrete ways, working collaboratively with Aboriginal peoples” and that “reconciliation begins with each and every one of us.”
The Library continues to offer programs and activities to promote knowledge, understanding and dialogue, recognizing that reconciliation is an ongoing practice that will shape our community for the next 150 years and beyond. For more information on this program please visit https://westvanlibrary.ca/honouring-reconciliation-2019
WVML Friends of the Library
Currently in their 69th year, The Friends of the Library work together to enrich Library programs, collections and services through fundraising projects and provide hospitality that adds to the welcoming character of the Library. For more information about the Friends, please visit https://westvanlibrary.ca/friends-library
-30-