We are thrilled to announce that Queneesh Indigenous Community Society is officially registered in the province of British Columbia. Joanna Recalma, respected Pentlatch and 'Namgis Lawyer & Chair of the Queneesh Indigenous Community Society will introduce the Societal Directors at this year's K'ómoks Festival—and share how you can get involved with their ongoing work!
Learn the Story of the Frank Memorial Pole—carved by Tlingit Kwaguʼł Master Carver, Tommy Hunt Jr., raised in September 10, 2022 by Chief Kerry Frank & Family for his late father, Chief Norman Frank. The Memorial Pole now stands proudly along the Comox Foreshore. It speaks to the community's strength and ties to our Traditional Ways.
Norman Frank, who held the name Nim Nim um, was Hereditary, as well as, Elected Chief of the K’ómoks First Nation for over 30 years. He was a quiet man, generous to a fault and always willing to help others. The Frank Memorial Pole was carved by Tommy Hunt Jr., to honour Norman Frank and to build strength into and uplift the community. It was a powerful day of mourning, healing and coming together that will be remembered for all time. It is fitting that Tommy Hunt Jr. should be chosen to carve this work. His work is masterful and his close connection to the Frank family and the K'ómoks Community are reflected in this magnificent pole—at once public art and family legacy—that stands proudly at the Comox foreshore. Tommy Hunt Jr., who holds the name Waławidi was born Thomas Daniel Hunt in 1964 to Hereditary Kwakwaka’wakw Chief George David Hunt (Born 1931) and Mary Susan (May) Hunt neé Henderson (1936-2022). His mother's parents were Sam Sr. & May Henderson. His father's parents were Thomas (Tommy) Harris Hunt (1906-1983) & Emma (1912-1997) Hunt neé Billy. Waławidi is a father, mentor and respected community leader who we are honoured to know and call family. You will want to plan time to look at all the fine carving and detail he poured into the Frank Memorial Pole. It is breathtaking to behold! K’ómoks Festival is a free, family-friendly annual event honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day. Everyone is welcome. June 21, 2024, 9 AM to 7 PM, 3535 Bayside Road, Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada—with so much to explore!
Spend time with our Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and hear talks on Climate Change, Stewardship, and Traditional Indigenous Ways of Governing versus Western Law. Participate in Traditional Medicine, Plant & Food Workshops, Sacred Salmon Pit Cook Demonstration, and Hands-On Learning through Art for Children & Youth. Bring a friend and come and enjoy the delicious Hase' Artisan Market. You will have a chance to see, taste, smell and purchase a wonderful assortment of foods, Traditional handmade delights and meet some wonderful people. For this event, there is free parking onsite for those with mobility issues. There is additional parking for your use at 3330 Comox Road. You are also welcome to Take BC Transit to 3420 or 3330 Comox Road—or walk, bike, hike or kayak to this year's festival. A Festival Shuttle will be running between the Festival Parking areas and Festival site. There will be Washrooms & ATM onsite. We will have seating and shaded areas to rest. We have free food and non-alcoholic drinks available. Please ensure you keep yourself hydrated and comfortable on the day. We will have First Aid Staff onsite for any health concerns. This is an open, community event with activities for everyone. We are so excited to share the day with all of you!
Welcome guests at this year's festival will witness artworks on display by some of the most celebrated First Nation Artists and Carvers on the West Coast. Learn the Legends Behind the Masks through interactive stories and the magnificent artwork of Henry Speck Sr., Dicky Joseph, Tommy Hunt Jr., Waławidi, Wayne Alfred, Richard Hunt, the Late Beau Dick, Late Marcus Alfred, Late Douglas Cranmer, Geary Cranmer, Bruce Alfred & Rachelle Antoine. K’ómoks Festival is a free, family-friendly event anticipated to attract up to 300 visitors from Vancouver Island and beyond to witness the historic opening of Queneesh House, hear talks and presentations, view rare masterpieces in First Nation art and carvings, participate in tours, and attend workshops designed to provide a culturally rich experience. Come as our guests from 9AM - 7PM, June 21, 2024 at 3535 Bayside Road, Courtenay, BC for National Indigenous Peoples Day! |
NUSANusa is the Kwak'wala word for sharing a myth, story or legend. Here we will share about the many stories of those coming together for our annual celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day each June 21st EXPLORE & SHOP THE HASE' MARKET
FIRST NATION MASKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, CARDS, TIE-DYED CLOTHING, HANDMADE POTTERY, JEWELRY, UP-CYCLED CLOTHING, UP-CYCLED JEWELRY, INDIGENOUS ART PRINTS, FIRST NATIONS ORIGINAL ART, PHOTOGRAPHY, SHAWLS, T-SHIRTS, TANK TOPS, INDIGENOUS EARRINGS, BRACELETS, LEATHER EARRINGS, STERLING PENDANTS & NECKLACES, NATURAL LOTIONS, LIP BALMS, BODY BUTTER, NATIVE PLANT SEEDS, TRADITIONAL MEDICINE PRODUCTS, BAGS, SCARVES, GIFTS, CARDS, DELICIOUS FOODS—SMOKED SALMON, SEAFOOD CHOWDER, SOCKEYE, FRIED BREAD, BANNOCK, FRESH FRUIT & VEGGIES, DARK CHOCOLATE CARAMEL APPLES, CARAMEL POPCORN, CHOCOLATE GRIZZLY PAWS, FUDGE, MINI-DONUTS—ALL MADE WITH LOVE! SO MANY CHOICES! WHAT'S ON YOUR LIST? Art GalleryMagnificent First Nation Carvings, Masks, Boxes, Blankets, Regalia, Headdresses, Aprons, Rattles, Whistles, Paintings & Bowls
Legends of the MasksTum Tum Threads
Conscious designs handmade by Zapotec in Oaxaca and Kwakwaka'wakw from the Great Bear Rainforest DUCHESS BANNOCKSPONSORS2023 LOGO WINNER
Artist Craig Simon
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