As students walked the halls at UNBC just the second week into the Fall Semester, Cree/Dekelh artist Clayton Gauthier acknowledged the future generation.
“This art is for our kids,” he told MyPGNow following UNBC announced the launch of Nenachalhuya — The Cedar Plank Project.
He gestured over towards his daughter, further explaining, “that’s what inspires me. Our art is a passion that I live with every day. I feel that following my passion is showing my kids how to live. My heart is full every day. These pieces are going to be here longer than I am, and that’s inspiring to itself.”
Gauthier will be at UNBC’s Prince George campus as he works at carving cedar planks that will represent various First Nations communities from across northern BC.
“As I’m working on these, it’s a relationship,” said Gauthier. “As I’m working, not only am I producing these pieces for the university and these people, but I’m also learning from the other nations. I’m putting my love and good feelings into my work, so it’s a relationship.”
Once completed, the planks will then surround the walls of the University’s Gathering Place.
Provost Dan Ryan makes some opening remarks as @unbc announces the launch of Nenachalhuya.#CityofPG #IndigenousArt pic.twitter.com/B9P74BEOht
— Ethan Ready ?️ (@EthanReady) September 9, 2019
The artwork set to be carved on each of the 32 planks has been submitted by the various First Nations communities, which they have chosen to reflect their community and students.
Nenachalhuya is a Dakelh word meaning, “you have done us great honour” or “we are thankful for that you have done.”
“This is a special opportunity for the University to partner with the multiple Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation,” said UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks. “This project allows the entire campus community to learn from a highly-respected artist as he shares his expertise and knowledge. Clay Gauthier’s meaningful artwork will grace the walls of the Gathering Place for years to come.”
Gauthier will be on campus twice per week in Room 7-204 near the Canfor Winter Garden, across from security.
“Clayton said there’s the opportunity for people to try their hand at carving. I’d love to try my hand at carving,” said UNBC Provost Dan Ryan. “It’s a very exciting project and I’m very pleased that we’re able to do this.”
While the majority of the time spent will be done independently, Gauthier will be opening his doors from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday and Thursday for anyone interested to pop in, chat, and perhaps even partake in some carving as well.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
