Carving Our Own Future

Long renowned for their canoe building and carving skills, the Sto:lo people of Sumas First Nation have lived on the shores of the Fraser River in British Columbia for countless generations.

Their ancient culture has been guided by the waterways surrounding them. However, the impacts of colonization have caused some of their vital traditional skills to be lost or forgotten. 

Today, Sumas First Nation only counts five expert canoe builders and four experienced wood carvers in the community. Given that its population has doubled in the past decade, the time is now to ensure the younger generation can gain hands-on experience in these crafts. While some families have taken it upon themselves to revitalize their heritage at home, a lack of dedicated community space leaves the number of master carvers low. To rectify this, Sumas First Nation is introducing a new initiative to revitalize its carving and canoe culture, ensuring these skills remain widespread among its Peoples. 

As many Elders and Knowledge Keepers age, there is no time to waste in building these facilities. The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) recognizes the urgency and is providing funding to build a dedicated community facility for canoe and carving craftmanship that can double as a space for learning and sharing. Sumas First Nation envisions the centre as a space of reconciliation where students from the Abbotsford School District can visit and participate in activities, where non-Indigenous artisans will be welcomed, and where strong bonds with surrounding communities will be built.

Archdiocese of Vancouver