CVAG Window + Plaza Media Gallery
THE REASON WE WALK
Short-term exhibition in solidarity with the Comox Valley Spirit Walk
and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A special exhibition of items from K’ómoks First Nation, MIKI’SIW Métis Association, Wachiay Friendship Centre, and the private collection of Toresa and Terry Crawford — representing the spirit of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures from sea to sea to sea — is presented at the Comox Valley Art Gallery.
FEATURED WORKS
Cedar Woven Cape | from the K’ómoks treasure box | created by Mahatta Price under the apprenticeship of Pamela Mitchell | red cedar, leather, devils club, fireweed, buffalo wool
Cedar woven capes like this are worn as regalia over the shoulders. As an item of clothing, the wool and cedar help to repel water and add warmth. This duo also makes the material stronger than using wool alone. The wool was traditionally sourced from mountain goats, Woolly dogs, or plant fibres like fireweed cotton. Patterns can be created during the twining process, often incorporating natural or family-specific designs.
Orange Jingle Dress | from JoAnn Restoule, Bedoss Kadow, member of the Dokis First Nation – Okekindawt | cotton, copper
We are taught that we are a collective community, and our strength is found when we come together in ceremony. This is a sacred gift and our greatest strength as a people. The Healing Dance, known widely as the Jingle Dance, brings forward the power of prayer and intention, which is why the dance is also called the Prayer Dance.
The Orange Jingle Dress has been created to honor and remember the impact of the residential schools on our people, and to bring our attention to the unmarked graves that have been located throughout Turtle Island and the many young ones who never made it home to their families. We honor them, their families and their people.
Dance Drum | from Wachiay Friendship Centre | elk hide | community drum meant to be played by 4, 8, or 12 people
Dance drums are considered the heartbeat of Mother Earth, they play a vital role in ceremonies, songs, and celebrations. The drum reconnects individuals with their spiritual selves. Wood is bent with heat, shaped around a frame and dried or cured. Typically, deer, elk or moose are stretched over the frame. Strips of hide are laced through the holes pulling in the four directions (S,N,E,W) in a clockwise motion, symbolic of the life cycle.
Quote | Starleigh Grass, member of the Tsilhqot’in Nation, “Reconciliation and Education“, TEDx Talks, October 28, 2015, https://youtu.be/fu0aIw1vdiE?si=iHdjQq56lC84UEjl
“Since time immemorial “Indigenous peoples of Canada — First Nations, Métis and Inuit — had rich bodies of knowledge and understanding of relationships to the land and animals. We had our way to pass this knowledge from generation to generation. Unless you understand that something of incredible value existed before residential schools, you can never truly understand what was taken from survivors.” – Starleigh Grass
Devils Club Necklace | gifted to Colleen Devlin | crafted by David Siwidi Dawson, member of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk, Kingcome Inlet | glass beads
Native to the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, the devils club plant protects the wearer against negative energy.
Moccasins | MIKI’SIW Métis | from Mabel Kelly | deer hide, rabbit fur, beading
These moccasins showcase the beauty of traditional Indigenous beadwork.
Beaded Moccasins with Leggings | crafted by Elder Mida Donnessey of the Kaslo Nation, Yukon
This clothing is often used for ceremony and dance.
Vintage Felted Woolen Mitts | Inuit NWT | glass beads, rabbit fur trim
These mitts were worn for warmth and winter use.
Capote | MIKI’SIW Métis | from Bryce Mercredi | made from a Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket
This was a practical, warm, water repellant garment designed for mobility in hunting and trapping.
Ribbon Skirt | MIKI’SIW Métis | from Chrys Sample | cotton blend
This traditional garment is worn by many Indigenous women.
Ribbon Shirt | MIKI’SIW Métis | from Bryce Mercredi | cotton, polyester ribbon
This traditional garment is Indigenous menswear.
Sash | MIKI’SIW Métis | wool
Considered by many to be a symbol of Métis identity, this is worn around the waist for men and over the shoulder for women. It can be used as a sling, rope, thread or belt.
Wall Hanging | crafted by Maureen Stewart | cotton, glass beads
This artwork was created to remember residential school survivors.
COMOX VALLEY SPIRIT WALK
Tuesday, September 30, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day). The Comox Valley’s annual Spirit Walk is held to promote empathy and education about this dark chapter in Canada’s history. We will walk together — a sea of orange — united on a path of healing and understanding.
Sign-up to volunteer for the Comox Valley Spirit Walk.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES ABOUT RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS
Websites:
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Canada’s Museum for Human Rights
Indian Residential Schools Interactive Map
Movies:
Indian Horse (2017) – watch on Netflix
Gord Downie’s The Secret Path (2016) – CBC Arts (YouTube)
Bones of Crows (2022) – Prime Video and CBC Gem
Moose River Crossing (2013)
The Grizzlies (2018) – Netflix and Apple TV+
Sugarcane (2024) – Disney+ and Apple TV+
We Were Children (2012) – NFB (YouTube), Prime Video, and Apple TV+
Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2014) – Netflix and Prime Video
Children’s Books:
Shi-shi-etko by Nicola Campbell
Shin-chi’s Canoe by Nicola Campbell
The Train by Jodie Callaghan
Amik Loves School by Katherena Vermette
Books for Older Children:
Fatty Legs by Margaret Pokiak Fenton
My Name is Seepeetza by Shirley Sterling
A Stranger at Home by Margaret Pokiak Fenton
Sugar Falls by David Robertson
Adult Books:
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation by Monique Gray Smith
They Called Me Number One by Bev Sellars
Broken Circle: The Dark Legacy of Indian Residential Schools by Theodore Fontaine
By Strength, We Are Still Here by Crystal Gail Fraser
NOTE: Some of the books on this list will be available to peruse at CVAG in the Reception Hub.
