The Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives will be hosting free events on BC Family Day weekend to celebrate shíshálh and Skwxwú7mesh Nation cultural heritage. On Saturday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m., join Fran Nahanee for a presentation on her Skwxwú7mesh ancestry from the village site of Ch’kw’elhp (present-day Gibsons). Rooted in nine generations of ancestors from Ch’kw’elhp, Fran will speak about her family tree, the importance of ancestral naming, and Skwxwú7mesh cultural protocol. Fran is the owner of Tsain-Ko Gifts in ch’atlich (Sechelt), and a passionate and engaging speaker. On Sunday, Feb. 18, well-known shíshálh weaver Jess Silvey will facilitate free cedar weaving workshops at the museum starting at 10 a.m. Participants will have the chance to make a diamond-patterned cedar mat (morning), or a small cedar basket (afternoon). Feb. 19 to 25 marks Heritage Week in B.C., with this year’s theme of Layer by Layer. Call the museum to register in advance, workshop spaces limited. These events are supported by the Province of BC and the BC Museum Association.
