Gukwdzi Restoration Project Underway

Community members may notice scaffolding recently set up at the front of the Gukwdzi (Big House). This marks the beginning of an important restoration project focused on repainting and revitalizing the front façade of this significant cultural space.

This work is being supported through funding from the First Peoples’ Cultural Council and reflects a shared commitment to preserving the integrity and visual teachings carried on the face of the Gukwdzi while supporting the transfer of traditional knowledge to the next generation.

Honouring Culture Through Restoration

The Gukwdzi is a central place of gathering, ceremony, teaching, and cultural identity for our people. This project will help ensure that the formline designs, artistic teachings, and cultural knowledge represented on the front of the Gukwdzi continue to be maintained with care, respect, and proper protocol.

Leading this work is Senior Artist Johnathan Henderson, a Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw artist with deep roots in Alert Bay and strong ʼNa̱mg̱is lineage. Johnathan has been carving and painting since his youth, learning from his family and carrying forward the teachings of his ancestors.

Over the years, he has contributed to numerous large-scale cultural projects, including totem poles and Gukwdzi elements, bringing both technical expertise and deep cultural knowledge to this work.

Supporting the Next Generation of Artists

Working alongside Johnathan are two apprentice artists participating in hands-on mentorship throughout the project.

Quinn Speck

Quinn Speck is a young ʼNa̱mg̱is member with strong family ties to the Gukwdzi through both their mother’s and father’s sides. They have spent significant time in the Gukwdzi alongside their grandfather, Beau Dick, and bring a deep personal connection to this work.

Quinn is eager to give back to the space that has been an important part of their life while continuing to learn traditional design skills and carry that knowledge forward.

Allan Davidson Jr.

Allan Davidson Jr. is a Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw artist currently based in West Vancouver with roots in Squamish, ʼNa̱mg̱is, and Haida communities. He has been studying and practicing formline design while continuing his artistic training through formal education and mentorship.

Davidson is passionate about reconnecting with his cultural roots, learning Gukwdzi protocols, and contributing to the preservation of traditional art practices.

Opportunities for Youth Engagement

As the painting phase begins, the project team hopes to create opportunities for interested youth to participate in interpretive and interactive learning sessions connected to the restoration work.

These opportunities will allow young people to engage with the artistic process, learn about the meaning behind the designs, and connect with the teachings carried within the work. Individuals who have already submitted their information may be contacted directly, and additional public updates will be shared as opportunities arise.

Safety Notice

For the duration of the project, the front entrance of the Big House will be closed due to scaffolding and ongoing restoration work.

Community members are asked to please respect all posted safety signage and barriers while work is underway.

Carrying the Work Forward

This project is not only about restoring a building — it is about continuing the legacy of the artists, knowledge holders, and cultural teachings that continue to guide and inspire future generations.

G̱ilakas’la to everyone supporting this work and helping carry it forward.