16 Jun PRESS RELEASE: Ancient Medicine: From Feast to Famine to Freedom Exhibition opens June 21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ancient Medicine: From Feast to Famine to Freedom Exhibition opens
June 21, 2022 at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, B.C.
June 16, 2022, Skw̲xw̲ú7mesh Líl̓wat7úl territory (Whistler, BC) – The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is proud to host Ancient Medicine: From Feast to Famine to Freedom Exhibition opening June 21, 2022 as part of National Indigenous Day celebrations.
The Ancient Medicine: From Feast to Famine to Freedom exhibition explores the complex health journey of Indigenous People. Offering a chance for viewers to learn about medicinal plants, see them as they are used today and how people are managing chronic illnesses caused by the interruption of our natural diet. Guests can view artwork that explores the journey of artists in relation to these themes, and living plants we use.
Featuring Artwork from Lil’wat Nation Artists Levi Nelson, Rosalie Dipscu, Shayla Wallace, Nanatcw n Kakusent Tanina Williams, Saopalaz Lucille Joseph, and from Squamish Nation Artist Tiyaltwelwet Melanie Rivers, and insight from Styawat Leigh Joseph of Sḵwálwen Botanicals.
SLCC Curator Mix̲alhítsa7 – Alison Pascal shares “Doing the research for the Ancient Medicine, From Feast to Famine to Freedom has been a roller coaster. It was very surprising to confront the legacy of the Indian Residential School System again. I was naive in thinking that this exhibit was only about health but then I think ‘why would our people switch to a diet that didn’t suit them, why would they stop using medicine so effective and easily available?’ There was no choice, it was forced on them. It’s hard to reconcile that news; I’m so amazed at the work of our Artists who confront their feelings and create all of their beautiful pieces. It’s uplifting to see how Indigenous People are coming together and reclaiming what was stripped from us. Every time we use traditional food or medicine we take back a piece of our freedom, a piece of our history and promote healthy living for our future.”
Join us as we reconnect with our traditional health and wellness, through the Ancient Medicine: From Feast to Famine to Freedom exhibition from June 21, 2022. Stay tuned for an Ancient Medicine Guest Speaker Series throughout 2022.
The SLCC gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the 150 Time Immemorial Grant Program, Canada Council for the Arts and Tourism Cares.
We raise our hands to all of our Ancestors, Elders and Knowledge Keepers who have worked tirelessly to preserve and protect the teachings of our traditional medicines. Thank you to all who help to share what you have learned, thank you to those who work with the plants. A special thank you to those who work to create fairness and equality in Western Medicine Institutions to ensure the safety of Indigenous People.
Media and public are invited to the official opening of the exhibition:
TUESDAY JUNE 21, 10am – 12pm, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
To learn more visit: slcc.ca/exhibits/ancient-medicine/
Listen to CBC The Early Edition with Stephen Quinn interview with SLCC Curator Mix̲alhítsa7 – Alison Pascal
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