Sesemiya

The “Stalkaya – Ḵ’elhmáy̓/X̱ápay̓ay” exhibition highlights importance of ancient forests

By: Kelly Chia, Staff Writer Stalkaya - Ḵ’elhmáy̓/X̱ápay̓ay is an exhibition based on the Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) people’s relationship with cedar trees in old growth forests. The exhibit’s title refers to the traditional names for the Dakota Bear Sanctuary, yellow cedar, and red cedar, respectively.  Co-curated by T’uy’t’tanat (Cease Wyss), and featuring the works of fellow Indigenous artists Tsawaysia Spukwus and Sesemiya (Tracy Williams), Stalkaya - Ḵ’elhmáy̓/X̱ápay̓ay centres around the ways Skwxwu7mesh peoples have used cedar for time immemorial. It encourages love and respect for ancient forests which have protected our climate and wildlife.  When visitors first enter the exhibit, they…

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