On May 11, 2023, Musqueam and the University of British Columbia co-hosted an event to unveil new artwork designed by Musqueam master carver Kayám̓ Richard Campbell Sr.
The 15-foot-wide bronze disc, titled θəʔit, was installed at the base of Haida artist and hereditary chief 7idansuu James (Jim) Hart’s Reconciliation Pole.
About θəʔit & Reconciliation Pole
θəʔit is a collaboration between Campbell and Hart that was commissioned with support from the Audain Foundation and UBC’s Belkin Gallery. The disc helps connect the Haida pole to Musqueam’s territory at UBC’s Point Grey campus.
Prior to the pole’s installation in 2017, Jim followed his own cultural teachings by asking Musqueam permission to raise the pole in our territory. The Haida pole was celebrated at a large event that included ceremony held in accordance with Haida protocols.
It was Hart’s intention that the pole would eventually have a bronze base. Following discussions with Musqueam, UBC and the Audain Foundation, Musqueam master carver Richard Campbell was selected by Hart to carve a design.
In English, θəʔit means ‘truth’. The name acknowledges the continued need for Indigenous peoples’ truths about colonization and residential schools to be uncovered, remembered and honoured.
Although Richard has been carving since 1979, θəʔit is the first time he worked in bronze casting. He received guidance from Kwakwaka’wakw artist Max Chickite with support from the Belkin Gallery and department of art history, visual art and theory (AVHA) at UBC.
Campbell drew the initial design in 2D, which was then enlarged and applied to an at-scale high density foam disc in four panels for him to carve his design into. The carved panels were then transported to the Burton Bronze Foundry on Salt Spring Island to be cast in bronze, before being brought back to UBC and installed in sections at the base of Reconciliation Pole.
“θəʔit is a special project to me for many reasons. It is important that Musqueam art and design is shown on Musqueam territory because it shows that we are here, and it shows who we are. It is emotionally meaningful for me to represent Musqueam in this way, and to honour all those who attended Indian residential schools.” said Kayám̓ Richard Campbell.
Honouring Richard through ceremony
Musqueam and UBC co-hosted a small event to acknowledge θəʔit, Reconciliation Pole, and the legacy of residential schools in Canada.
For the first half of the event, Musqueam honoured Richard not only as the artist, but as a residential school survivor and valued community member. Musqueam hired Alec Dan as the speaker for the Musqueam portion of the event, with assistance from Carly Guerin as floor manager.
“Kayám̓ embodies the spirit of resiliency that has enabled Musqueam to not only continue our cultural practices, but strengthen them by bringing pride to his family and community,” said yəχʷyaχʷələq, Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow.
UBC’s portion of the event followed, with speeches from UBC and Audain Foundation representatives.
The ceremony was attended by UBC Interim President Deborah Buszard and Chancellor Steven Point, David Suzuki, as well as three of Richard’s children and all nine of his grandchildren.
About Richard Campbell Sr.
Kayám̓ (Richard Campbell) is a Musqueam Elder, knowledge holder, archaeologist and master carver. He was raised in Musqueam with traditional culture and teachings, particularly from his grandfather, who brought him to big house ceremony and taught him how to hunt and carve.
As a child, Richard attended St. Augustine’s Indian Residential School in Sechelt.
Richard has been carving professionally since 1979, training and collaborating primarily with Wallace Baker (Squamish).
His work has evolved from traditional Musqueam design into a contemporary, interpretative style. He specializes in private commissions for largescale yellow cedar carvings and was most recently commissioned by UBC’s Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability to create a 25-foot serpent carving.
44 years later, he is still passionate about carving and frequently asked to carve items for Musqueam’s community and ceremonial events.
Since 1998, Richard has worked with Musqueam Archaeology. His dedication to archaeology has grown and he is now the full-time senior archaeological field technician. In this role, he brings his cultural knowledge to Musqueam’s archaeology work and outside partners throughout Musqueam territory to ensure Musqueam’s heritage is respectfully managed.
Kayám̓ is the proud father of six and grandfather of nine, all of whom were born and raised in Musqueam and share his passion for family and culture.
Indigenous protocols & public art on Musqueam territory
Musqueam’s cultural protocols guide much of our daily lives and the work that we do both in and out of the bighouse.
Protocol involves many different aspects, including welcoming visitors to our territory, following tradition, and respecting the protocols of other Indigenous peoples and cultures. In return, Musqueam expects that our protocols are respected while conducting work on our territory.
One of the best ways to physically honour Musqueam protocols is to ensure Indigenous public art within Musqueam territory is designed by Musqueam artists or undertaken with Musqueam’s prior knowledge and collaboration.
For decades throughout Vancouver, Musqueam’s unique design elements have been overlooked in favour of other Indigenous design.
Although we welcome and embrace the diversity of cultures that is now represented throughout our territory, and acknowledge the importance supporting all Indigenous artists, it is no longer acceptable for organizations or artists to ignore cultural protocols.
It is imperative that Musqueam’s ancestral relationship to our lands and waters is acknowledged through learning about and implementing Musqueam protocol, including prioritizing Musqueam artists and input on project within our core territory.
Just as Musqueam artists would or should not raise a Musqueam housepost outside of Musqueam territory without prior consent from the host nation, we expect that other organizations and Indigenous peoples do the same.
More about θəʔit and Reconciliation Pole
New art connects the Reconciliation Pole to Musqueam territory
Reconciliation Pole: Bronze Disc Base
Bronze Disc Base Installed at the base of The Reconciliation Pole
