Indigenous Archway Highlights Community Placemaking initiative in Campbell River
Kwakwaka’wakw Master Carver Bill Henderson’s totem carving highlights community-led park enhancement project in Baikie Island/Raven Park.
Wei Wai Kum master carver Bill Henderson, renowned for his mask and paddle carvings, is leading the Indigenous Archway carving for the entrance to Baikie Island/Raven Park, along with his nephews Greg and Junior. The Archway is the central focus of a new Community Placemaking investment with the Rotary Club of Campbell River, Island Coastal Economic Trust and 4VI.
Overview
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
Community Placemaking:
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.
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 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
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
Project Details
Project Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
Climate Resiliency
- The project includes important reclamation work within the estuary, striving to conserve this important ecosystem.
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.