starting at
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 15
PM41537042
Free
280 Baker Street Nelson BC (250)
Friday, December 11, 2015
Vol.8 • Issue 48
Mall bus stop debate won’t abate See Page 15
Naomi Perkins spectacular in Seattle See Page 20
354-4089
valhallapathrealty@telus.net www.valhallapathrealty.com
“It is my goal to work hard to reach your goals”
Students from both Nelson and Creston Wildflower schools participated in creating the pictograph-inspired mural on the backside of the Central school gymnasium. They gathered Tuesday morning in front of the mural to show off their handiwork. Will Johnson photo
Barbie Wheaton
C: 250.509.0654
barbiewheaton@gmail.com
RHC Realty
S STMLA ! CHREIC S A I SP 1 GET BUYFR EE! 1
Wildflower unveils pictograph-inspired mural
Nelson and Creston students created project under direction of Amber Santos WILL JOHNSON Nelson Star
Lessons • Retail Custom • Repairs Phone for Details
250.352.1157
415 Alexander Road, Procter
HAPPY NEW YEAR! In-store Specials!
While working on a massive pictograph-inspired mural unveiled this week at Nelson’s Central school, local artist Amber Santos encouraged the students involved to ponder what they hope to offer the community. “We’re inspired by the idea that young Sinixt, when they were looking to find
Christmas Toy Drive!
their gifts to the community, as a spiritual visioning, they would draw their gifts,” Santos told the Star, explaining the process she went through to complete the ambitious collaborative project. “So we launched that as a challenge to the kids, for them to come up with a symbol that represents their gifts. It could be something they’re good at, something they care about or some sort of positive impact they make on their family or in their school.” Once each student created their symbol, they sketched it out in their classroom for practice and ultimately painted it on panels laid out in the parking lot. Their creations were inspired by their studies, in which they looked at
Ktunaxa and Sinixt pictographs going back centuries along with ancient cave paintings and contemporary work from artists such as Keith Haring. “It was really important for us to know and understand we’re being inspired by the Sinixt and their pictographs on rock faces, but these are symbol drawings, which is different,” Santos said. “We’re all inspired by things — it’s about acknowledging and being aware of our influences, and then doing our own thing.” The project was completed in May by members of both Nelson and Creston Wildflower schools. On Tuesday morning the school gathered for the dedication ceremony,
which began with a speech from Sinixt elder Marilyn James, who described the lengthy history of her people in the area. She compared the mural to long-lasting pictographs on Kootenay Lake, and congratulated the students on making their mark on the world. Grade 6 student Keighan Stothers participated in a tobacco offering ceremony, along with Grade 4 student Sophia Peloso, and expressed enthusiasm for his handiwork. “These symbols represent meaning for people and show what we care about,” said Stothers, noting that his symbol incorporates a crane building a CONTINUED ON A22
Drop off locations are at Nelson Home Hardware Building Centre and Hipperson’s Home Hardware NELSON HOME BUILDING CENTRE 101 McDonald Drive 250.352.1919 HIPPERSON HARDWARE 395 Baker Street 250.352.5517
Last week to get your toys in!