"Sḵwx̱wú7mesh" (Squamish) 8" x 10" Print
"Sḵwx̱wú7mesh" (Squamish) 8" x 10" Print
Semi-satin 8” x 10” print of my illustration dedicated to this coastal mountain town located on the unceded traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).
Printed locally here in downtown Squamish.
Unframed.
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As an artist, I am grateful and humbled to be able to live, work, and create art on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Traditional Territory, as some of my artwork are of things, features, and places within these lands. With that, I wanted to be able to honour their traditional place names and recognize the history and culture of this land that I reside on, without appropriating and profiting off of the language and potentially using the names incorrectly as a non-Indigenous settler.
From having an insightful conversation about the traditional language with a Squamish Nation member, and guidance from the Language and Cultural Affairs department, I understand that there is an incredible importance in preserving and revitalizing the traditional Squamish language, and to reverse its decline. With that said, a good portion of the proceeds from the sale of this print will go towards supporting the Squamish Nation's language revitalization programs.
I am very thankful to the Language and Cultural Affairs department of the Squamish Nation for allowing the use of the traditional place name for this illustration, and their help with the correct translation and spelling. I am hoping that by using the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language for local place names, it encourages an understanding of the connection between language and the land, its history, and its cultural heritage.