Tla-o-qui-aht master canoe carver Carl Martin and his sons Marcel and Carl Jr. have been working on a 14-foot traditional dugout canoe out of their love for the Tla-o-qui-aht language.
They are contributing the canoe to “Changing the Legacy” Art Show & Silent Auction to raise funds for the development of Tla-o-qui-aht Language Software, including a smart phone App.
The Changing the Legacy Event is taking place at the Inkwis Gallery, and began on Nov. 1 to Nov. 7, culminating in a Gala Dinner to honour “Keepers of the Language” at Tin Wis Resort on Nov. 8. See photos from the opening ceremony below. Photos by Debora Steel
The canoe was started by Carl Sr. and his younger brother Bill, who passed away before the project was completed.
“I know my brother would be happy with this. He always liked to contribute to anything that had to do with culture, anything to do with our people,” said Carl Sr.
Carl has discussed how he was shamed for speaking the language and it is his hope that his grandchildren will be proud, fluent speakers one day.
“I feel the way the language was taken from us... it was beaten from us. It was taken from us slowly, over a number of years; and it will take years to gain it back.”
Carl has been involved with the revitalization of the Tla-o-qui-aht language for many years.
“I wrote the language for a number of years, I did that because my dad was forgetting it, and I really believe in who we are.” These writings have been shared with Carl's grandchildren and are part of the language contributions that will go into the creation of the Tla-o-qui-aht Language App software.
Cultural tradition is very much alive for Carl Martin Sr, who learned the art of canoe carving from his father, Robert Martin Sr. He passes on this knowledge to his sons and his grandchildren who love to ask questions and be present as he works on canoes in Opitsaht on Meares Island.
“So many community members, family, and friends have been filled with hope and connection as they’ve witnessed the creation of this canoe. They pick up the cedar chips, or walk up to the canoe and inhale the healing cedar smell,” said Changing the Legacy coordinator and Carl’s daughter-in-law, Ivy Martin
Changing the Legacy”, Art Show & Silent Auction Event has received great support from local Tofitian and Tla-o-qui-aht artists, resorts, and businesses. The week-long Changing the Legacy event, has demonstrated good relations between Tofino and Tla-o-qui-aht in walking together to promote Tla-o-qui-aht Language revitalization.
For more information on Changing the Legacy Events please visit the “Changing the Legacy” event page on facebook or call Project Coordinators Ivy Martin at 250-726-3770 or Carla Moss at 250-266-0543.
