Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw Elders bless art and artifacts
The Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw artwork and artifacts are on display in the great hall of Sun Peaks Centre.
After installing various Secwépemc artifacts at Sun Peaks Centre, Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality (SPMRM) held a blessing ceremony with approximately 12 members of Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw. The community was invited to attend, and with short notice about 10 Sun Peaks community members were able to observe the ceremony and stay for refreshments and traditional music following the event.
In an emailed statement, Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine gave SPIN a summary of what took place.
After welcoming Elders from Skwlax including Dale Jackson, Jackson gave a history and background on the Secwépemc art, which includes pictographs and plant imagery that was done in partnership with SPMRM and Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw.
Gordon Tomma was introduced to explain the use of the various artifacts, Raine said, adding that Tomma then welcomed everyone for a smudging ceremony, followed by an honour song.
“The relationship between Sun Peaks and the three neighbouring Bands is improving but this is only the beginning of a process of respect and trust,” Raine said.
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