SRD and Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che'tles7et'h' First Nations Release Salvaging Sacred Belongings Videos
When disaster strikes, the loss can extend far beyond homes and infrastructure. Regalia, sacred belongings, photographs, artwork and other culturally significant items can also be damaged or lost. Four new Salvaging Sacred Belongings videos are now available to help First Nations communities protect and recover these important belongings following an emergency or disaster.
The videos were developed by the BC Heritage Emergency Response Network (BCHERN) through a partnership between the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) and Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che'tles7et'h' First Nations (KCFN), with grant funding provided by the Union of BC Municipalities.
When disaster strikes, the loss can extend far beyond homes and infrastructure. Regalia, sacred belongings, photographs, artwork and other culturally significant items can also be damaged or lost. Four new Salvaging Sacred Belongings videos are now available to help First Nations communities protect and recover these important belongings following an emergency or disaster.
The videos were developed by the BC Heritage Emergency Response Network (BCHERN) through a partnership between the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) and Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che'tles7et'h' First Nations (KCFN), with grant funding provided by the Union of BC Municipalities.
Each video is approximately one minute long and demonstrates practical recovery techniques that can be used for cultural belongings and other items with similar materials, textures and finishes. The videos cover:
- Blow drying feathers
- Padding out cedar baskets for drying
- Spray cleaning wet materials
- Saving wet photos
“Protecting or restoring important objects from climate or natural disasters is vital to rebuilding and safeguarding First Nations culture after it was nearly erased by colonization,” said SRD Director Matthew Jack representing Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che'tles7et'h' First Nations.
All First Nations communities are invited to access these videos and learn practical skills to help restore and conserve artifacts, artworks and sacred items, helping preserve these important belongings for future generations.
More information and all four Salvaging Sacred Belongings videos are available at srd.ca/salvaging-sacred-belongings.
Communities can also contact SRD Indigenous Emergency Services Liaison, Lisa Campbell at 250-201-8876 or by emailing LCampbell@srd.ca to request downloadable versions of the videos.
The SRD extends its gratitude to the BC Heritage Emergency Response Network for its work in making this project possible. To learn more about BCHERN, visit bchern.ca.