Resonance

Print Method: Giclée
Edition: 99
Released: February 2025
Paper Size: 17" x 17"

For thousands of years, my people have journeyed from village to village by means of the sea. Our life is rooted in the coastal environment. We traveled by canoe and lived off the bounty of the ocean. Our culture reflects this wealth. For us, our age-old traditions are sacred and are represented by our songs, our dances, and our artwork.

For many years, I have been a member of different dance groups and have had the opportunity to travel to many countries and interact with other communities, including tribal people like ourselves. Out of all the cultures that we have encountered, the Maori people of Aotearoa have occupied a special place in our hearts and minds. When we see them, we see ourselves. There is a resonance that we feel. They have “Bighouses,” “canoes,” and “totems” like we have at home. They have a similar history and, more importantly, they love to laugh and sing as much as we do. This print was created to illustrate the bond that has developed and continued to flourish between our peoples.

For both of our peoples, the xwak̓wa̲na, or waka, is the traditional means of transportation for our communities. It is a link to our ancestors as much as it is a link to our future. It connects us to the water and allows us to travel from village to village to village and from nation to nation. This particular canoe has an eagle decorating the prow. For us, the eagle is an important crest symbol and is a bird that all First Nations of Canada resonate with. Encircling it are the southern stars and a ring formed from the Maori flag. Like for the Maori, the colours black, white, and red are important to the artwork of our peoples.

In 2025, we as members of the Kumugwe Cultural Society were able to travel in our metaphorical xwak̓wa̲na to visit the sacred lands of Aotearoa. This enabled us to spend time with old and new friends alike. This trip was made possible, in part, due to funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded project: The Future of Indigenous Rights and Responsibilities (FIRR).

"Resonance” is a limited edition print using the giclée method of printmaking. This print was released in Feb of 2025 and printed by Andy Everson at the artist’s own studio in Comox B.C. The primary edition bearing the numbers 1/99 through 99/99. The acid-free 100% cotton rag paper measures about 17x17 inches. Image size measures about 15.5x15.5 inches.