Weaver Sam Seward will be intertwining stories and photographs for the fall equinox. Inspired by photographs from 1906 and onward, he has recreated culturally significant robes and weavings. Remaking these robes is a way to honour ancestors and protects the practice of weaving for the future. Weaving was not only witnessed as a necessity for sustaining life but an artform and symbol of major events in life. Shaped by history and culture, Sam has been working on a series of weavings influenced by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh legends and places, some of which will be on display during this event.

Please join us for a time of storytelling and light refreshments from 11am until 1pm.

RSVPs are helpful

About Sam Seward
Sam’s ancestral name is Nekwimetstn. He belongs to 2 rich cultures, Snuneymexw and Squamish. He grew up in Eslha7an in Squamish territory and attended St Paul’s Indian Day School. While there, he got his first acting opportunity on a CBC film. Sam excelled in lacrosse and basketball but has been active in many sports throughout his life. Sam has always been culturally connected and has recently studied the Hənq̓ ə̓ minə̓ m̓ language under the guidance of their Tsleil-Waututh relatives. Sam is currently in an apprentice-mentorship program learning the Squamish language. Living the culture is important to Sam. Other cultural activities that he practices are food fishing and Coast Salish wool weaving. In media, Sam’s work includes a play with Theatre for Living, a web commercial called “Healthy Aging Living” with Health Canada, and an episode on APTN Warrior Games/lacrosse. A feature film, Catch the Fair One, has recently released and it is on Prime Video and Apple TV. Sam is currently co-writing a script for theatre with his grand daughter, Hannah, and Cousin, Gabe George. Sam’s ancestral name, Nekwimetstn, comes from Snuneymexw - Nanaimo. Nekwimetstn was his Taah-grandmother Jenny Thom’s father, who was born and raised in Snuneymexw.

About Speaking Pictures
Speaking Pictures invites Indigenous elders to come and speak to the public about photographs that highlight the stories, histories, and landscapes of the north shore. In its inaugural year, this program takes place on the Sunday closest to each solstice and equinox: March 24 for Spring, June 23 for Summer, September 22 for Fall and December 22 for Winter. The changing of seasons is marked with gathering, storytelling and the sharing of food. The seasonal changes invite us to reflect on the past and grow into the future.

Curated/Hosted by Joelle Johnston, Indigenous Liaison

Generously supported by
Vancouver Foundation
The McLean Foundation
Province of British Columbia

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