Kwakwaka’wakw Master Carver Bill Henderson’s totem carving highlights community-led park enhancement project in Baikie Island/Raven Park.
The Rotary Club of Campbell River is leading a collaborative volunteer-led project to transform Raven Park, on Baikie Island, into a culturally significant public place. Along with Henderson’s Indigenous Archway, enhancements include additional parking and accessibility improvements, interpretive signs inclusive of the Liq’wala language, and new recreational opportunities.
The project is supported through the Island Coastal Economic Trust’s Community Placemaking program, which is a partnership between the Trust and 4VI. A news release announcing the project is also available: Indigenous Archway to Create Gateway to Baikie Island/Raven Park
This project aims to transform the Baikie Island/Raven Park area into an inviting, vibrant park that celebrates First Nations culture and creates a popular community space for both locals and visitors. The project focuses on the following key objectives to strengthen community wellbeing:
Cultural Vitality: To honour the cultural heritage of First Nations people, the project is centred around a totem archway carved by renowned Kwakwaka’wakw Master Carver Bill Henderson, along with his nephews Greg and Junior. Additional interpretive signage, created in partnership between the Campbell River and District Museum, Wei Wai Kum First Nation, and Wei Wai Kai First Nation, will further increase visitor awareness surrounding First Nations narratives and history.
Social Empowerment: To transform Baikie Island/Raven Park into an inviting environment that encourages exploration, the project also includes recreation additions. A new parking lot will improve access, while trail improvements will make trails more accessible to all users.
Environmental Sustainability: The project includes important reclamation work within the estuary, striving to conserve this important ecosystem.
“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 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
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
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in March 2024 through the Community Placemaking program.
We work in reciprocal relationships with coastal communities across the ancestral territories of the Kwak̓wala, Nuučaan̓uɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
