You are invited to a Welcome Pole Raising & Ceremony and to share in a celebration of partnership between the Comox Valley Art Gallery (CVAG), K’ómoks First Nation community and the City of Courtenay. The project initiated by the CVAG is seen as a step toward reconciliation and recognition of the historic relationship the K’ómoks peoples have had with this Valley for thousands of years. Two new Puntlege-designed Welcome Poles have been created by Artists Karver Everson and Randy Frank. These Artists have worked under the mentorship of Master Carver Calvin Hunt, and have been advised by K’ómoks Elders in design and technique. The poles are being placed downtown Courtenay – on the Centre for the Arts plaza outside the Art Gallery. We will also celebrate the development of a seasonal Indigenous Plants garden – created in partnership with Barb Whyte – Traditional Knowledge Keeper & Elder from the K’ómoks First Nation. The ceremony will include: Acknowledgements and a Pole Blessing Ceremony. A light lunch will be served. Those attending will have an opportunity, as well, to view the exhibition Nump Ma Noche Gyai Yoo Lahss / We All Come From One Root. This body of work created by Kwakwaka’wakw artist John Powell […]