Local students learned about some of New Westminster’s First Nations history in the Heritage Week 2018 colouring contest.
Mayor Jonathan Cote said this year’s colouring sheet was created by local artist P.J. Patten in support of the theme for Heritage Week 2018, Heritage Stands the Test of Time. The theme, selected by Heritage B.C., celebrates and honours the living memory of Indigenous heritage.
“Inseparably woven through Indigenous identity and life, Indigenous heritage is conveyed through ideas, objects, language, artistic practice and the land itself,” he said. “Through the passage of time, cultural heritage endures, remaining essential and meaningful, and standing the test of time.”
Patten worked with Chief Rhonda Larrabee of Qayqayt First Nation on the development of this year’s artwork entitled “Qayqayt means Resting Place”.
“According to Chief Larrabee there is a legend that the wolf was created in New Westminster – the wolf is revered because it is a good hunter, mates for life and is very family-oriented. You must never make fun of a wolf or laugh at them,” Cote said. “The image shows a wolf standing on Poplar Island looking across to where New Westminster’s downtown sits today.”
Cote said the judges didn’t have an easy task selecting winners, as the city received hundreds of submissions from students across the city.
“The enthusiastic response and quality of this year’s competition really highlights the superiority of our students’ colouring abilities over the mayor’s,” he quipped. “It was very incredible work. Good work everyone.”
Among the kindergarten crew, Ava Kerkhoven from Richard McBride Elementary took top spot, with Jancis Anne C. Nartia from Lord Kelvin Elementary placing second, Nahla Navarro from Queen Elizabeth Elementary getting third and Samara Longford from Richard McBride Elementary earning an honourable mention.
Jayden Sall from Queen Elizabeth Elementary placed first in the Grade 1 contest, with Manha Rishard from Queen Elizabeth Elementary in second, River Boulton from Lord Kelvin Elementary in third and Rowan Van Shellenberg from Connaught Heights Elementary getting an honourable mention.
In the Grade 2 category, Victoria Sokha of Lord Kelvin took the top spot, followed by Amber Sasuman from Queen Elizabeth Elementary (second), Ava Bandjuna of F.W. Howay (third) and Benjamin Longford from Richard McBride Elementary (honourable mention).
Lord Kelvin Elementary School swept the Grade 3 contest, with Shania Di Tullio placing first, Micah Dineros in second, J.R. Garcia in third and Victoria MacEachern getting an honourable mention.
Teya Quinn Porter from Richard McBride Elementary placed first in the Grade 4 contest, followed by Stefania Barabkh from Connaught Heights Elementary (second), Keira Hwang from F.W. Howay (third) and Kimrin Garaya from F.W. Howay Elementary School (honourable mention).
In the Grade 5 contest, Declin Stregger from Connaught Heights Elementary was first, Isabella Yemane from F.W. Howay was second, Sophia Killawee from Richard McBride Elementary School was third and Anastasia Cupac from Lord Kelvin Elementary School received an honourable mention.
Save these dates
* Saturday, June 16: The New Westminster Youth Ambassador Society is holding a lawn bowling fundraiser on Sunday, June 16 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the New Westminster Lawn Bowling Club in Moody Park. Partial proceeds from the event will be donated to the B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs. Info: www.nwyas.org.
* Sunday, June 17:Past and present Salmonbellies are invited to attend the second annual Salmonbellies Day festivities in Queen’s Park.The event, taking place on the Queen’s Park East turf field from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes activities for all ages, food and prizes, Bellies clothing and more.
