More pictures to come of Doug's installed mask.
Xihwu Reef
Xihwu Reef Huy tseep q'u, 'o' t'at Mustimuhw 'i-ulh 'i 'u tun'a tumuhw 'i' tthu lhwulup 'o' hwun 'i. Thank you, ancestors, that were here on this land and you that are here. |
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More pictures to come of Doug's installed mask. |
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| Local images of Sea Urchin by local Carvers Doug August and Gus modest. | |
In recognition of the permission to use the location for the placement of the artificial reef a plaque will be placed on the aircraft giving thanks to the Hul'qumi'num Mustimuhw.
The name Xihwu Reef will be given to the site out of respect for the red Sea Urchin which would have lived in abundance in the area in the past. This creature along with swimming scallops and other bottom dwelling creatures have seen significant impact over the last 50 to 100 years from pollution in the way of sewage, industrial effluent and forest industry waste. Over fishing and bottom dragging has also seriously effected the habitat. It is hoped that the habitat created by the artificial Reef will provide opportunity for the return of these and other significant creatures in the environment.
A ceremony of thanks will be held on the ferry viewing platform at the time of sinking.
The Sea Urchin which was at one time a significant food source as well as spiritual creature to the Hul'qumi'num Mustimuhw.
Special thanks are due to the Hul'qumi'num Mustimuhw for permission to place this artificial reef in the waters of their traditional territory.
It is not commonly understood that the waterways all up and down the coast were the highways linking village sites, gathering and harvesting sites. These highways were the places of meeting, fishing and ceremony. The water the sea bed and the sea life there in was as important and significant to the Coast Salish people as the lands that their villages and seasonal camps were on. This is why there are concerns with regards to access and impact of these territorial waters in the ongoing treaty process. This is why we have consulted with the Hul'qumi'num Mustimuhw and sought their permission to place this reef in there territory. I am grateful for the experience and to have met and worked with many of the members and staff of the member Nations of the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group. I believe this to be a significant achievement of this project in working together with First Nations in the development of economic opportunities in the way of Scuba diving Tourism and habitat renewal for future generations.
Special thanks to: Penelekut First Nations chief and council
Chemainus First Nations Chief and Council
Cowichan Tribes Chief and Council
Halat First Nation
Lyackson First Nation
The Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group.
The wording for the plaque was created for me by elders Myra Charlie, Mena Pagaduan, and Ron George. Huy ch q'a Siem