Wei Wai Kum artist Bill Henderson’s totem carving will highlight community-led park enhancements on Baikie Island in Campbell River.
CAMPBELL RIVER, June 4, 2024: Renowned Kwakwaka’wakw Master Carver Bill Henderson, along with his nephews, Greg and Junior, will carve a totem archway to depict the pre-settlement history of the land at the entrance to Baikie Island/Raven Park in Campbell River. This Indigenous archway is part of a larger restoration and development project to transform Baikie Island/Raven Park into a community space. Led by the Rotary Club of Campbell River, the initiative is supported through an investment with Island Coastal Economic Trust.
As a Wei Wai Kum member, Bill Henderson is recognized for his striking style portrayed in masks, paddles, and totems. He has carved more than 50 totems and hosted exhibitions around the world. He’s always remained closely tied to his home, too, donating masks to families and his community to use in ceremonies. Along with his nephew, Junior, he carved the Thunderbird Bear Pole that was raised at the Campbell River and District Museum in 2017.
The archway is just one of several park enhancements planned to transform the Baikie Island/Raven Park area and its amenities. A new parking area will facilitate increased park access, while trail upgrades will improve accessibility for all users and interpretative signs will reinforce First Nation history, inclusive of the Liq’wala language. The project also focuses on important environmental restoration efforts within the estuary.
Volunteers will play a significant role in design, construction, and planting initiatives to restore the area. It’s a truly collaborative effort, led by the Rotary Club. Along with assisting in the design and carving, the Wei Wai Kum First Nation and Wei Wai Kai First Nation will work alongside the Campbell River and District Museum to create interpretive signage. Campbellton Neighbourhood Association, Greenways Land Trust, and Nature Conservancy of Canada will help support the project and recruit volunteers to move the initiative forward.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing with the Rotary Club of Campbell River in the Indigenous Archway in Raven Park project through the Community Placemaking program. The Trust will contribute $50,000 towards a $243,579 total investment. The Trust’s contribution includes $23,140 from 4VI, who partnered with the Trust to fund projects throughout 2023-2024. More information about the project is available on its Funded Project page.
The Trust recently renewed the Community Placemaking program. It now provides funding up to $40,000 for as much as 50% of project costs for communities to collaboratively reimagine and revitalize public spaces across the coast. Other successful projects supported by this program include Campbellton’s Bridge Viewpoint and the Revitalization of Bamfield’s West Park.
What Leaders are Saying
“With collaborative efforts and support from partners like the Island Coastal Economic Trust and the Campbellton Neighbourhood Association, our goal is to revitalize the Baikie Island/Raven Park area to create a vibrant hub that celebrates history and culture while improving accessibility and safeguarding natural ecosystems.” – Danny Munroe, President, Rotary Club of Campbell River
“The Indigenous Archway in Raven Park will be a beautiful testament to the resilience and prolific culture of the Kwakwaka’wakw people and the dedication of the community to preserve and celebrate it. I can’t wait to come see it when it’s completed.” – Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island.
“It is wonderful for the Trust to be partnering on such an inspiring collaboration between world-renowned artist Bill Henderson and the local Rotary Club of Campbell River. We can’t wait to experience this new public space when it is animated and prominently showcasing Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw culture in the decades to come.” – Brodie Guy, CEO, Island Coastal Economic Trust
“This project highlights wonderful volunteer engagement, which illustrates just how welcomed this community gathering place will be to residents. It’s a truly inclusive project, too, providing an accessible location to learn and celebrate First Nation culture and its continued presence in the park.” – Anthony Everett, President and CEO, 4VI
About Island Coastal Economic Trust
Founded by the Province of British Columbia in 2006, Island Coastal Economic Trust works to build a sustainable and resilient coastal economy in reciprocal relationships with First Nations, municipalities, and regional districts across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution. Serving over half a million residents, we partner with communities in the development and financing of their economic infrastructure and diversification efforts through our unique structure that is led by, and accountable to, communities.
Since our inception, Island Coastal Economic Trust has approved more than $64 million to economic development initiatives that have attracted over $338 million in new investment to our region. These investments have created over 3,001 permanent jobs, and countless positive impacts, across the coast.
Island Coastal Economic Trust acknowledges that we work for communities across the ancestral territories of the Kwak’wala, Nuučaan̓uɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda’xw, Pəntl’áč, She shashishalhem, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
Media Contact
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Laurel Cronk
Rotarian
laurel.cronk@gmail.com
250-204-4429
