Unveiling of First Nations Art Honours Collaboration and Inclusion – Regional District of Nanaimo

Press Release

Prior to last night’s Board meeting, the RDN celebrated in an unveiling ceremony of Snuneymuxw artist William Good’s spindle whorl Supernatural Eagle Bringing the Salmon to the People. The ceremony was opened by a blessing and song by Elder Lolly Good followed with speaking by Elder Geraldine Manson. Good’s daughter, Aunalee Boyd-Good, spoke to how her father’s piece symbolizes community and hope. Daughter Sophia Seward-Good joined her father and sister to close the ceremony with singing and drumming.

Good’s piece was the fifth and final First Nations art piece commissioned by the RDN in 2017, and unveiled in 2018 and 2019. The pieces and artists are:

• Supernatural Eagle Bringing the Salmon to the People – by Snuneymuxw First Nation artist William Good
• Q’ul-lhanamucum (Killer Whale) – by Snuneymuxw First Nation artist Noel Brown
• Consumer – Ling Cod – by Snaw-Naw-As First Nation artist Brian Bob
• Heron Spindle Whorl – by Qualicum First Nation artist Jesse Recalma
• Killer Whale, Thunderbird, Salmon – by Snuneymuxw First Nation artists James Johnny and James Johnny Jr.

“We are pleased and honoured to have these inspiring art pieces in our Administration Building to serve as visual stories of the peoples and history of this land,” said RDN Chair Ian Thorpe. “We thank the artists and their Nations: Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As and Qualicum. Our Board is committed to continuing to work on building positive relationships in the region, sharing community values of inclusion and collaboration.”

The art is installed in the in the Board Chambers and in the lobby of the RDN Administration Building at 6300 Hammond Bay Road. To view the pieces, please contact 250-390-4111 or email inquiries@rdn.bc.ca.

-30-

Contact:

Geoff Garbutt
General Manager, Strategic and Community Development
Regional District of Nanaimo
250-390-6500
ggarbutt@rdn.bc.ca

ILR5