How has your awareness of Coast Salish Art in our community changed?  My perspective on Coast Salish art has changed drastically with the resources and things we learned. I learned that each shape represents different meanings and symbols, as well as the different traits/strength recognized with each different animal. For example, the orca can symbolize strong connections, community and compassion. The wolf symbolizing loyalty, bravery and honor. This affects the way I see totem poles around the area, as I now know about the meaning and importance it holds. But also the creativity, meaning and beauty in Coast Salish art. As I walk by artworks on this land, I can identify the meaning and immerse myself further deeper into the artworks....

  My awareness of the coast Salish art in our community has changed by me recognizing what all the shapes mean and the way the shapes present the meaning and the purpose art. This has also changed my view of the art piece by knowing that it isn't just a painting or statue but a symbol of many things like cultural beliefs and as well as strength, bravery and many other elements. Another way of awareness is i now know what the indigenous group have been through to carry on their culture and all the sacrifices that were made on the way for the good of many people that they wouldn't even meet. A specific example is when i got to Vancouver or other places and i see a totem pole i can see that it represents something that isn't just art like how i use to think, but a way of communicating and spreading their knowledge and belief's.

How has your awareness of Coast Salish Art in our community changed? Be specific and give at least one example. Before the meeting and making the Coast Salish Art, I never knew they had a different way of art and never knew that art could have meanings behind every shape. For me, who has never seen this type of art, it was really fascinating seeing that each of the piece and the animal we choose could have meaning behind them. Before I walked by and see Coast Salish Art and never really cared and did not think much of it but now I know that there is a meaning to drawing these arts and every single Coast Salish Art is unique and has different meanings. For example elementary school, I did a similar project where we had to paint salmons with shapes but back then I never knew that the shapes I drew could have meaning but I now know that every shape I drew was significant and unique....

HOW HAS YOUR AWARENESS OF COAST SALISH ART IN OUR COMMUNITY CHANGED? Before doing this project, my understanding of First Nations culture and art was already very complex. Being someone of Indigenous heritage, my parents have helped me connect with my Indigenous roots by presenting me with unique opportunities to help further my understanding of my culture. I found that lots of what was presented to us during the information sessions I already knew, such as what the animals symbolize and present. However, learning what the shapes portray in Coast Salish art was very enlightening and I found it very interesting how the shapes helped form joints and muscles instead of just being aesthetic choices by the artists....

I have a new perspective and awareness after finishing this project.Before, I thought Coast Salish Art was just a unique art style with no further meaning.However, now I understand the meaning behind the shapes and the art they make.These design can be found anywhere such as clothing. They are made primarily with wool from mountain goats, representing durability and strength.The geometric elements creates unique clothing mixed with blankets and robes.All made with weaving tools like loom poles, combs, and spindle whorls decorated with the geometric designs of animals figures.Blankets and robes signifies wealth and spiritual purification....