The ȾEĆELLE¸ Tribune (Issue 002-pt2)
Spotlighting SBS members, our interests, what is going on in our communities, and what's important to us
This months newsletter is so nice… we had to do it twice! We have so many brilliant Service members to highlight, one post wasn’t enough. Pt 1 featured Aya Clappis-Williams @dreamsincoastal and Davi Catini’s Funny Soap, Pt 2 contains highlights of Charles Elliot, Matt Parlby, Cedar Shackelly and Temoseng Elliot Jr’s House Post and its construction as well as Matt Parlby and Temoseng Elliot Jr’s set of doors going onto one of the doorways on the new Longhouse being built in the community of Tsawout, in so-called ‘Saanich’. On top of this lovely instalment of Artist Augmentation we’re sharing Service member Eli Hirtle’s Voices on the Rise series highlighting Eli’s own journey to discover his familial roots through Indigenous language revitalisation. Let us know if you’re rocking with this edition, in the comment section below! - Al Gorp aka Zürdo Goméz @krankdatkurri on IG
House Pole Raising and Longhouse Door Carving
Spotlight: Temoseng Elliott Jr
Chazz was the lead carver on the House Post at the top of this section, unveiled at the Saanich school, and was completed with his family member assistance - 3 generations in all.
“It’s supposed to create good feelings and also bring awareness,” said Chazz...
The unveiling was on June 21st, during the celebrations of National Indigenous Peoples Day. “This is an important day, not just here, but across Canada,” Chazz’s father Charles Elliott once described his own carvings as a form of communication and as silent ambassadors, documenting First Nations history and culture for us all to witness.
“They say a lot without giving a speech. They are there for those people who don’t know we are here. When they see that (the art), it will spark questions.”
The carving, which would serve as a pillar in a Coast Salish home, depicts a woman wearing a traditional cedar hat with two children wrapped in a wool blanket – the design was inspired by Elliot’s mother, who is a weaver. The woman holds up her hands in a traditional welcome greeting.
Elliott said the carving seeks to glorify the success of students coming through the school system. “The designs on here are to symbolize protection and community and welcome.” What a beautiful installation!
I’ve found Chazz to be a really kind person, with a good sense of humour, who cares deeply for his work and his family’s culture. It is one of the qualities I admire about him most. Chazz shows up for his people’s culture on a daily basis, stewarding the knowledge that’s been passed down through his family for generations.
I am proud to call you a friend Chazz, it is very inspirational to see a young man like yourself, following in the traditional footsteps of your heritage, while knowing exactly where you’ve come from. What an honour it is to profile you and your work my brother. If you’d like to know more about the House Post unveiling see this article.
Voices on the Rise
Indigenous Language Revitalisation Docu-Series
by Eli Hirtle
Thanks to Eli for allowing us to profile him, and for sharing his journey to discover his identity and resonate with his roots, by story telling and highlighting Indigenous Language revitalisation. We feel honoured to be able to witness some of that journey through Voices on the Rise, as well as being in community with you during SBS events. Thank you Eli for being a part of our burgeoning community! We are constantly in awe of the work you do and cannot wait to see where you take it next. The light, ease with which you carry yourself, the attentive, active listening you employ when speaking with someone and the way in which you express the love you have for those in your life are truly something great to witness.
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