The Port Renfrew Visitor Centre is proud to present a new art wrap designed by local artist Keisha Jones, a member of the Pacheedaht Nation. This vibrant artwork reflects the region’s rich culture and natural beauty. Read on below to learn more about her artistic journey and the story behind this captivating piece.
My name is Keisha Jones. I am a p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx̣ (Pacheedaht), with close kinship ties to the W̱SÁNEĆ and Yakama Nations through my father, late Bobby Jo Jones. I am also Scottish, Irish, and mixed European ancestry from my mother’s, Kaz Mackenzie, lineage.
This artwork reflects the rich history and culture of p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx̣ and our relationships with our relatives disib̓aʔk (land), hidačkt (ocean), and saktuup (animals) that have nourished us for generations. As a Nation member I wanted to honor these relatives as well as the stories, landscapes, and traditions that continue to shape our identity.
hidačkt, which has given life to our people for centuries, is central to this piece. From cuwit (coho salmon) in the rivers, to the c̓eʔiidaw (gooseneck barnacles) clinging to the rocks, to č̓it̓apkʷ (whales) swimming offshore, each element symbolizes the vital connection between our community and the sea.
At the edges of the water, I have included bits of p̓acabsačkt (seafoam) to represent an important part of our history. p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx̣ are people of the p̓acabsačkt (seafoam).
The duučaadł (mountains range) in the background serve as a reminder of our ancestor’s unrelenting presence. As well as bačłeełapt and ̣ubsapt (yellow and red cedar), revered for strength and versatility, providing our ancestors with homes, canoes, baskets, clothing, and blankets – making it the “tree of life” for p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx̣.
Through “Strength of p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx̣”, I aim to express the strength of p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx̣ and the deep respect we hold for our ancestors. This a celebration of what we receive from the disib̓aʔk (land), the hidačkt (ocean), and beyond that continue to give us life, as they did for our ancestors.
