“Walk with your elders and learn from their dignity and love, their humour and courage.

“Walk with your elders and learn from their dignity and love, their humour and courage. These are the beginnings of wisdom.” -Qua’tas’ia Nancy Phillip, Sto:lo Elder

This public art symbolizes the continuous building of community, working together, sharing our strengths, helping, and acknowledging one another. In 2008 the Mission branch of Fraser Valley Regional Library engaged with the Mission Arts Council and commissioned Metis Artist Pascal Pelletier to enhance the four pillars along the middle of the library.

Each of the four east-facing pillars depict figures of animals, the bear, raven, eagle, beaver, salmon and other culturally important figures. On the other three faces of each pillar the faces illustrate our Elders, living or deceased and some from the artist’s vision of indigenous strength. Some eyes appear to follow you. They are watching, looking after us, guiding and teaching us.

The Aboriginal Genealogy Association has produced a booklet with brief biographies of the local leaders whose role in our community has often been unrecognised. A volunteer is available at the library most Tuesdays to answer questions and assist with family research.

Aboriginal Genealogy Association volunteers