Something special is happening in the community of Powell River.
Cyndi Pallen says at Willingdon Beach, a group of carvers are putting together two canoes to raise awareness about reconciliation as part of the Hɛhɛwšɩn (the way forward) Reconciliation Canoe Journey Grandfather Project.
“They’ve been working with Vancouver Island University, the Museum and Powell River City Council. So all of them joined together with a committee. This is a project over 2 months to build 2 canoes. One canoe is almost done, now they’re starting on the second one. Both of them will be sued for the purpose of teaching about the history and colonization of First Nations people.”
Pallen says once the canoes are completed, they will be given back to the Tla’amin First Nation for educational classes and demonstrations.
Master Carver Joe Martin is mentoring 3 Powell River-area carvers on the project.
