Shuswap Trails Party Returns
News Release Updated: November 28, 2022 The Shuswap Trails Party Returns for 2023! The Shuswap, British Columbia, Secwepemc Territory...
The Shuswap – North Okanagan, Secwépemc Territory, British Columbia – Planning is well underway for the design and installation of 14 Secwepemc landmarks and 100 trailhead posts under the guidance of the Secwépemc Cultural Tourism Elders Committee (made up from the four local Bands) for the Secwépemc Landmarks project. On Tuesday January 21st, 2020 two Expressions of Interest were released and will be open to applications from interested artists until February 20th, 2020. An additional Expression of Interest will be released in early February and will be open to applications until March 6, 2020. The project team are looking forward to receiving applications for the following positions:
• Main Landmark, Salmon Arm Marine Park: (Applications due February 20, 2020)
Now accepting applications from one Secwépemc sculptor (familiar with rock sculptures) and one non-Secwépemc artist (familiar with metal work) to work on a collaborative Main Landmark situated at the Salmon Arm Marine Park.
Details of Landmark:
o Large permanent structure
o 6-7ft tall
o Rock and metal
o 8-10 viewing portals, multiple heights for different height users, children adults
o Petroglyphs, iconography, visual and written stories
o Secwépemc logo/badge
• Trailhead Post Carving Artist and Instructor, Various Locations in School District 83: (Applications due February 20th, 2020)
Now accepting applications from a Secwépemc artist to lead workshops with youth from grades 6 to 11 in School District 83. The applicant will work with a Secwépemc storyteller and youth to design and carve petroglyphs in 100 trailhead posts.
Details of Trailhead Posts:
o Small semi-permanent structure, hereditary replacement
o 5 ft tall
o Wooden - will break down over time, will need replacing - hereditary replacement
o Petroglyph carvings, paint inlay
o Secwépemc logo/badge
The project team anticipates the release of an additional Expression of Interest in mid February, 2020 for the following position:
• Sentinel Landmarks, Various Locations (Applications due March 16, 2020)
Applications will be accepted in mid February 2020 for one Secwépemc sculptor (familiar with rock sculptures) and one non-Secwépemc artist (familiar with metal work) to work on six collaborative sculptures which will be situated permanently on trail systems and access points around Shuswap Lake.
Details of Sentinel Landmarks:
o Medium permanent structure
o 4-5ft tall
o Rock and metal
o 4-5 viewing portals
o Petroglyphs, iconography, visual and written stories
o Secwepemc logo/badge
The purpose of this project is to create awareness of Secwepemc traditional territory through a series of iconic orientation Landmarks (sculptures) situated at key, highly visited areas, which portray Secwepemc location names, culture and stories throughout the Shuswap lakes region.
“This initiative is another way for Secwepemc to create more awareness of our presence within our traditional territory. The sculptures can be a collaboration between Secwepemc and settler artists and the mountain names in both Secwepemc and English will showcase Secwepemc language to the visiting tourists and locals alike. Storyboards, sculptures/landmarks placed on trailheads and other key areas will showcase Secwepemc culture and settler history“
-Adams Lake Band Councillor Shelley Witzky
The Secwépemc Landmarks partners gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia, the three Secwépemc Bands: Adams Lake Indian Band, Neskonlith, and Splatsín, Shuswap Tourism, the Shuswap Trail Alliance, and the City of Salmon Arm.
For more information contact:
Libby Chisholm
Project Coordinator/Storyboard Assistant at the Secwépemc Landmarks Project
c/o The Shuswap Trail Alliance
519-803-2831
libbyjayc@gmail.com
www.shuswaptrails.com
