Children of Tomorrow
steʔəxʷəɬ ʔə ƛ̓ wə weyələs

Kinder Morgen in the German language directly translates as ‘Children Tomorrow’, and artist Nancy Bleck ironically makes reference to the Texas-based energy corporation, and includes this same phrase for Children of Tomorrow in the Tsleil Waututh language — steʔəxʷəɬ ʔə ƛ wə weyələs — as a way to align with the indigenous cultural world-view of how things get done, always with an eye toward the seven generations yet unborn.

Through panoramic photographs intercepted with portraits of community members, Bleck, also known by her Coast Salish adopted name, Slanay Sp’ak’wus, considers the local waters of the Burrard Inlet and the Tsleil Waututh cultural practice of stewardship. This collaborative project asks visitors to consider how a vision of sustainability can be practiced across cultures, across generations, and over time. Says Bleck: “I am grateful to the Tsleil Waututh people I have come to know, and I am honoured to contribute through photography and in the larger work of learning how to become better stewards of where we live through their strong example.”

Hay ce:p q ə si:yem, Councillor Charlene Aleck, Ts’simtelot, of the Tsleil Waututh Nation says: “Over the past 4-5 years Tsleil Waututh has been consistent with our message to big corporations doing business in our traditional territory. We have been stewards of our land and water since time out of mind and that has sustained for decades. We want our voice to be heard, our story to be told. In joining Nancy Bleck (Slanay Sp’ak’wus) gives us a beautiful opportunity to do just that.”

Kinder Morgan, whose operations are inside the traditional territory of the Tsleil Waututh Nation, face legal opposition from an indigenous community with a sacred obligation to protect the lands and waters. The Tsleil Waututh Nation unanimously agreed to oppose Kinder Morgan’s pipeline expansion carrying bitumen oil from the Alberta Tar Sands. Amy George, also known as Ta‘ah (grandmother) famously invoked the community to ‘Warrior Up!’

A 10-minute sound piece was created in collaboration with Métis-Cree media artist Kamala Todd, in conversation with Tsleil Waututh elders Deanna George and Ernest George, speaking to the youth of today. Says Todd: “Having grown up in beautiful Coast Salish territory, I have learned so many stories, and I am so grateful to live here. Tsleil Waututh people have taught me so much about our responsibilities to the land and waters. My family and I stand with the Tsleil Waututh Nation
in their commitment to protecting this place for all.”

Nancy Bleck: Born in 1969, Toronto, Canada. Daughter of immigrants from Berlin, Germany. Bleck’s interests in contemporary photography and social practice are informed by feminist philosophy, sustainable and indigenous cultures. Co-founder of the Uts’am/Witness project (1997-2007), Nancy was adopted by the Squamish Nation with the name ‘Slanay Sp’ak’wus’ (2001). Recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction award in the category of Arts, Culture and Design (2007).

A hardcover book titled ‘Picturing Transformation, Newx-ayanstut’, showcasing her photography over fifteen years, Figure 1 Publishing, (2013). She holds a BFA, Emily Carr University, (2000), MA in Fine Art, MaHKU, The Netherlands, (2005), and is an educator at Emily Carr University, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Nancy has worked in the field of visual arts in cities worldwide including, Toronto, Berlin, Prague, Utrecht, and currently, Vancouver, BC, on Coast Salish lands.

Artist Nancy Bleck and Tsleil Waututh Nation councillor Charlene Aleck in conversation: Sunday, August 23, 2 p.m.
Reception: Sunday, August 23, 3 p.m.