Portal to Our Heritage - Newcastle Island

Photo of the art N /A ( ), Portal to Our Heritage - Newcastle Island, 2008
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Saysutshun (Newcastle Island)

Nanaimo was one of four Canadian cities to be selected as a Cultural Capital site in 2008. The three part Portal to our Heritage, series is the legacy project of Nanaimo's Cultural Capital designation, which was supported by the Government of Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage, Ministry of Environment, BC Parks and Protected Areas, the City of Nanaimo, and Snuneymuxw First Nation. These parties worked together to facilitate the creation of the three public artworks, all of which are created by Snuneymuxw and are situated at sites of cultural significance. Each Portal to our Heritage shares local legends and serves to mark the importance of the traditional sites in which they are located.

Saysutshun was the location of the third and final portal, unveiled on the island in the bay known to Snuneymuxw as Qulastun, meaning 'facing the other way' or 'backwards.' It consists of an intimate semicircle of cedar benches where people can gather to hear the stories and history of the Snuneymuxw. Visitors to the park will find the site directly to the right of the ferry dock as they arrive on shore. Snuneymuxw Chief Wyse and Mayor Ruttan spoke at the unveiling event and carver Noel Brown performed a blessing ceremony.

The St’litlup (Departure Bay) portal was first to be shared with the public in July, 2008. The Jack Point portal, an ancient salmon petroglyph, was returned to its place in fall 2008. The final portal on Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) was completed in March, 2009.

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