Artist Statement: This Root Paddle was carved in honour of my Grandmother Edith Baines (Silvey) .With the thought that we all at one time or another need to thank our grandmothers for all they have done for us.

Her Spirit Helper was the owl so I put the owl around her. She was a knitter so I incorporated some knitting patterns into the design. Her Hulkumenum name Slhu’mu’hw meaning rain is why I put some waves to represent water in the design as well. The salmon were to acknowledge that she was a fisher woman. She loved the white forest lilies that grow in the spring so I had to include that as well.

My grandmother was a strong beautiful woman. She was a child of the residential school system. After many years of brutality she moved back with her family on a small island called Reid Island. She met Ernest Gorge Baines and together they had six children.

A woman of unimaginable strength, she was an oyster farmer, a fisher woman, a knitter, and so much more. She taught me that strength comes from within. She showed us that life has many obstacles and we can persevere and become strong compassionate people. She was a woman who knew how to get things done.

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