The City of Nanaimo announced they have commissioned a series of pieces from a Coast Salish artist for Beban Park pool.
Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun, has taken inspiration from the Nanaimo River Estuary’s ecosystems for the project.
He will be installing a series of seven banners and three new murals over the course of the next month while the pool is closed to the public.
Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun, is a Coast Salish artist who comes from the White family of Snuneymuxw, the Rice family of Penelakut and with roots in the Nuu-chah-nulth world through the Hamilton family of Hupačasath from whom he carries the name Kwaayas.
He is a recent graduate of Vancouver Island University, works as a Project Coordinator with Petroglyph Development Group, and is a storyteller, published author and artist.
The City says that White-Hill wants people who see the works to consider how swimmers use the pool and to reinforce the Hul’q’umi’num language learning happening in schools across the region.
“My goal is to create a connection between the audience and the art, to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history, culture, and nature of Snuneymuxw and our territory,” says White-Hill.
“I want to show other people who we are, I want future generations of Coast Salish people to grow up surrounded by our art.”
Interpretive signage with English and Hul’q’umi’num words, and a take-away guide will be made available to share information, language, and stories related to the artwork.
The City says the project was undertaken along with others at public facilities while they are currently closed due to COVID-19.
A date for re-opening of Beban Park pool has not yet been set.
