Prince George, BC - The 2015 Canada Winter Games, City of Prince George and the Lheidli T’enneh invite submissions from British Columbia artists to create an outdoor art sculpture that will be permanently located within Civic Plaza (Canada Games Plaza). This large sculpture will be filled with a variety of rocks gathered from across Canada, reflecting the traditional culture of the Lheidli T’enneh and showcasing northern BC as a gathering place for the entire nation.
The Lheidli T’enneh, the Official Host First Nation, are inviting visiting athletes, sporting officials, dignitaries, artists and guests to bring a small rock from their own communities to be placed it in this permanent vessel. These rocks will honour the journey to northern British Columbia and time spent on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh.
‘‘This is a project we are extremely proud of, as it pays respect to our Official Host First Nation and engages the entire country,’’ says Stuart Ballantyne, 2015 Canada Winter Games CEO. ‘‘The Gathering of the Rocks is an exciting legacy piece that will share our northern story with all Canadians.’’
‘‘This is a truly unique opportunity for a British Columbian artisan to showcase their work at the Canada Games Plaza - a legacy project that will exist long after the athletes and spectators have returned to their hometowns,’’ says Mayor Shari Green of Prince George. ‘‘By placing your rock at the installation, you will be honouring both the traditions of the Lheidli T’enneh and the athletes who have worked so hard to compete at these 2015 Games.’’ ‘‘The Gathering of Rocks Legacy Project will allow for an artistic and respectful art sculpture to honor the People of Lheidli T’enneh --- and to pay tribute to our elders; they are our family patriarchs and matriarchs whom have contributed to our Nationhood, and to the sustained teachings to our children who represent our future,’’ says Chief Dominic Frederick, Lheidli T’enneh. ‘‘The foundation of the rocks will also be significant as it will showcase precious stones and rocks from all the Elders across the province of BC who attended the 37th Annual BC Elders Gathering.’’
Details on the Gathering of the Rocks project, as well as submission requirements and a project backgrounder, can be found at www.canadagames2015.ca/gatheringoftherocks. Submission deadline is Friday, August 29, 2014. For more information on the project, please contact Karen Jeffery at kjeffery@canadagames2015.ca.