Columbia Wetlands – I am an artist living full time in Parson now for two years, but have been a fortunate member of the Columbia Wetlands for over twenty years. I retired from a career as a pediatrician in Canmore, AB, having served the Columbia and Bow Valley for many years.
I say that I am part of the Columbia Wetland neighbourhood, which is what this art engagement project was about – learning about the wetlands and making connections through art making and performance.
I organized four workshops and two parades from July 21 – 24, where participants were invited to create parade attire representing our more-than-human neighbours of the Columbia Wetlands.
It was an opportunity to engage community members who were curious, whether to make art creations or to connect through conversation. I provided a map of the Columbia River from its source at Canal Flats to the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers. This map was often an entry point for people to walk along and locate aspects of the river system which they knew. This led to conversations about their memories of place and how the wetlands care for us and their inhabitants.
Those who chose to create made parade attire consisting of portraits of our more-than-human wetland friends. These included turtles, a great blue heron, a loon, two foxes, a hummingbird, an eagle, a mosquito, and two beavers.
The participants also decorated hand-dyed tunics I had made, with imaginary water grasses and rushes. The effect was a beautiful and colourful display.
While creating, we had conversations regarding our human role amongst these creatures and how we can refer to them. Are they objects for us to admire or are they our neighbours to care for?
This past week has demonstrated how important wetland habitat is for those of us who live here in the Columbia Valley.
I hope this project was enjoyed by all participants and viewers but most importantly, I hope it shifts ways of thinking about our wetland spaces and their inhabitants.
The Walk of the Wetlands creations will be on display from Wednesday, July 31st to Wednesday, August 14th, at the entrance to the Art Gallery of Golden.
Thanks to all the special artists, young and old, who came out.
This project was supported by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, which in turn receives funding through the Columbia Basin Trust. The project was also supported by the Town of Golden, Wildsight, Tourism Golden and last but not least, Kicking Horse Culture.
