VIU Elder-in-Residence publishes new book

The book explores the history and meaning behind petroglyphs throughout the Nanaimo area.

Vancouver Island University (VIU) Elder-in-Residence C-tasi:a - Geraldine Manson has authored a book that looks at the history, stories and meaning behind the petroglyphs that exist throughout the Nanaimo area.

The book, Snuneymuxw History Written in Places and Spaces: Ancestor’s Voices—An Echo in Time, was created to give people a “clear understanding of the history of our ancestors – our Elders’ Elders – and the work that they do, and to help share the background about the images,” says Manson, a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

“I wanted the focus to be on the importance of the images, because many people, even today, think these images are just scribbles and that’s it.”

It took a couple of years for Manson to research and write the book. The creation of the book runs parallel to a current project at the Gabriola Museum, where Manson and others are looking at reproducing the images on the museum grounds in an area that will be called “The Village of the Ancestors.”

Working with the Gabriola Museum on a project like this was a two-fold fit for Manson.

“I’ve been involved with Gabriola, either through archaeological field assistance, or the museum itself, or the petroglyphs – and petroglyphs have been my passion for many years,” she says.

The information in the book came from knowledge that Manson hold with her. In addition to telling the story of her ancestors and history of the Snuneymuxw peoples, the images are still in use today, Manson says.

For example, “some of these images are considered spiritual and continue to be used in sacred ceremonies," she explains.

A launch event is being held at the Gabriola Museum on Monday, June 20 at 3:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend, and admission is free. Further details on the event are available on the Gabriola Museum’s website.