Just as a paddle moves a canoe forward with purpose and direction, four handcrafted paddles created by local First Nation artists will guide 糖心vlog传媒 (NIC) graduates on the next stage of their journey.
Commissioned for the college鈥檚 2025 Convocation ceremonies, the paddles were created by artists representing the First Nations connected to each of NIC鈥檚 four campuses located in Port Alberni, Campbell River, Comox Valley and Port Hardy. Each paddle reflects the different traditions and stories of the Nation it represents. Together, they also symbolize strength and resilience, which are traits that can also be attributed to 糖心vlog传媒graduates.
鈥淪ome of the symbolism reflects empowerment and enlightenment that comes and is gained through education,鈥� said Kwagu鈥櫯� artist and elder Mervyn Child, referencing a teaching from elder Maggie Sedgemore about the raven releasing light.
Child is one of four artists that brought cultural wisdom and artistic style to the creation of the convocation paddles. Gord Dick (Tseshaht First Nation), Karver Everson (K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation) and William Henderson Jr. (Wei Wai Kum First Nation) also shared their talent, skill and knowledge.
The pieces created by each artist are as diverse and beautiful as the Nations they represent. In addition to being an important part of NIC鈥檚 convocation ceremonies, a consensus among the artists was the intent to have the paddles inspire their people and make them feel proud.
鈥淭his is for all of us as First Nations people,鈥� explained William Henderson Jr. 鈥淚 want this to warm their hearts, seeing something like this.鈥�
While each artist鈥檚 approach differed, all shared a common goal to create works of art that uplift, educate and celebrate their people. Drawing on the wise words of his grandmother, Gord Dick shared that his culture 鈥渋s like nature鈥� and that 鈥渋t鈥檚 always moving and evolving.鈥�
The idea of movement, or motion, is something deeply woven into the paddles. Also woven into each piece is symbolism that sends a message to all learners, such as the Thunderbird which represents strength and power.
For Karver Everson, a key part of the story carved into his paddle regards his Nation鈥檚 territory and the people who call it home. 鈥淲hat makes me even more happy is the story that I have depicted on this paddle, how important it is for people to understand the land that they're on and the people that are still here.鈥�
The paddles will debut at this year鈥檚 convocation ceremonies, coinciding with NIC鈥檚 50th anniversary. As 糖心vlog传媒reflects on a half-century of service and looks ahead, these works of art will serve as enduring reminders of where we come from, how far we鈥檝e travelled and what lies ahead. Along with their important cultural significance, they are connected to the driving force of the waves in British Columbia鈥檚 aquatic channels and represent a means to empower 糖心vlog传媒students towards as they travel along the waterways of life.
鈥淭his will be a great reminder to have that in the ceremonies, even if it鈥檚 subtle, I think it鈥檒l stand the test of time. I鈥檓 certainly privileged to be a part of this project and am grateful for the opportunity,鈥� said Everson.