Arts Map Acknowledgements

Many people contributed to the origins of the First Peoples’ Arts Map, which grew out of three cultural mapping sessions First Peoples’ Cultural Council organized between 2005 and 2009. Internationally respected cultural consultant, Robert Palmer, introduced First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s Arts Program Manager, Cathi Charles Wherry, to cultural mapping in 2005, when they worked closely on the planning and facilitation of the National Gathering of Aboriginal Arts Administrators. He also coached her through the development of the 2007 BC Indigenous Cultural Mapping session.

We would like to acknowledge everyone who participated in these sessions because their brilliance and creative thinking informed the foundation of the original First Peoples’ Arts Map. The following people participated in the 2007 Cultural Mapping Gathering, which was held at Dunsmuir Lodge in W̱SÁNEĆ: Krisalena Antoine, Sharon Antoine, Louise Isador, Theresa Meldrum, Jane Marston, Katie Phillips, Nicola Campbell, Sharifah Marsden, Vania Stager, Lois Joseph, Colleen Williams, Valine Crist, Sharon Bird, Rhonda George, Chris Bose, Liz Carter, Joanne Finlay, Tracey Jack (Bonneau), Barb Janze, Rikki Kooy, Geraldine Manossa, Doreen Manuel, Karen Galligos, Marisa Phillips, Laurel Smith-Wilson, Allison Trenholm, Maxine Prevost and Rose Spahan. Led by Cathi Charles Wherry, the 2007 facilitation team was composed of Emmy Beaton, Debra Hoggan, Lou-ann Neel, Debra Prince, France Trepanier and the late ainjil Hunt. Sherry Williams provided photo documentation. We would also like to thank STOLȻEȽ /John Elliott for his opening address which welcomed everyone to W̱SÁNEĆ and set the tone for the three-day session.

Paula Beltgens provided invaluable support as a mentor and advisor during planning and creation of the facilitation plan for the 2009 session. We also acknowledge her partner at EnCompass, David Scott, for creating the print maps used for the session. The following people participated in the 2009 Cultural Mapping Gathering, which was held at the En’owkin Centre in Penticton: Stan Bevan, Sharon Bird, Chris Bose, Linda Bristol, Karen Charlie, Paula Cranmer-Underhill, Chad Eneas, Joanne Finlay, Rosemary Georgeson, Lois Joseph, Sharon Jules, Sharifah Marsden, Lonnie Mather-Chard, Ken McNeil, Patricia Moore, Russell Myers, Garry Oker, Rose Spahan, Vania Stager, Betty Wilson and the late Andrea Sanborn. A number of En’owkin students participated at various times. Led by Cathi Charles Wherry, the 2009 facilitation team was composed of Sylvie Cottell, Irene Mills, France Trepanier and the late ainjil Hunt. We would also like to thank the En’owkin Centre for hosting the session at their beautiful facility on the Penticton Indian Reserve. Special thanks to Jeannette Armstrong, Tracey Kim Bonneau and Geraldine Manossa.

Miigwech to Charles Burnett, Patrick Hayes and Greg Sebastian of Geomemes and Cedar Box for working with us to build the original First Peoples’ Arts Map, and their commitment to supporting the project with contagious enthusiasm for its first 9 years. Thanks also to designer Susan Mavor for developing the icons and working with the team on the design of the site.