New Exhibit opens Friday, April 17.
Q̓ay̓ola: Taking Turns Telling Stories is a new exhibit offering a closer look at carvings, poles, and public artworks seen throughout Campbell River.
These works are expressions of Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ culture. They carry teachings, histories, and relationships between people, families, and the land. More than visual form, they are part of ongoing cultural practices.
Indigenous art has been present here since time immemorial. From pictographs and petroglyphs to contemporary carvings, these works reflect long relationships with place. The materials, forms, and designs come from the land and continue to show the presence of Indigenous peoples.
Each figure and design carries meaning, connected to families, histories, and teachings, and shared across generations.
At the heart of this exhibition is the understanding that “it all comes from the Big House.” Cultural knowledge and artistic practices are learned, carried, and shared over time. Today, these practices continue through the work of artists, supported by Elders and community.
This exhibition offers a way to deepen understanding and strengthen connections to the Indigenous art and artists that shape the landscape of Campbell River.
Q̓ay̓ola: Taking Turns Telling Stories – Indigenous Art in Campbell River is a partnership between the Museum at Campbell River and the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum Nations, in collaboration with the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Research Centre.
Curators: Co-curated by Amy Vandal, Museum at Campbell River, and Brittany Barker, Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Research Centre.
About the research Centre: The Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Research Centre is a shared initiative of the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, and Kwiakah Nations. It supports archival preservation, community research, and public education, working to protect and share the history, knowledge, and cultural identity of Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ peoples.
Understanding the Name
The word Q̓ay̓ola comes from the Lik̓ʷala language and means “telling stories” or “taking turns telling stories.” It is sometimes spelled with a K, but the spelling with Q̓ reflects the local dialect. The pronunciation is the same in both cases. You can hear how it is pronounced on First Voices.
We are deeply grateful to all the Elders, knowledge holders and community members who helped guide this work throughout.
Thank you also to all the artists, past and present, who continue to tell these stories and keep the culture thriving for future generations.
A special thanks to the people and sponsors who made this exhibition possible:
Martina Walkus
Max Chickite
Bill Henderson
Junior Henderson
Jessica Chickite
Sonny Assu
James Kwaksistala
Ray Shaw
Jalen Price
This project is funded in part by Heritage BC through the Heritage Legacy Fund.
Pacific Marine Construction, which donated the material for Max Chickite to make the Arch
Jarrod Evans of Evrgreen Media for the use of his public art photography in the exhibit.
Sherwin-Williams for donating the paint adorning the walls.
