Last fall, Chief and Council decided last year to build a gazebo to add another feature on site to attract more weddings and events. We value native art and wanted to have an element of that to tie the gazebo in to the gallery. We worked with a local woodworker to build the gorgeous 14’ gazebo and with local artist Pascal Pelletier to design and carve two custom, 4 foot long salmon that were built into the design. Recently, these two beautiful salmon carvings were stolen.
The theft took place at 2:37am on Monday, January 5th. Upon the discovery of the stolen salmon, we posted surveillance videos and photos online requesting help from the public. Within 24 hours, the video had been shared over 500 times and had over 14,000 views. Pascal said in his interview that “public art belongs to everyone and it was very selfish for these people to take it for themselves.” It seems that people believe that strongly as they were willing to share this story. We received so much support from community members, locals, and even people from far away. The story was picked up by a local radio station, and even CBC came out here and interviewed Pascal for a story.
On January 14th, the salmon were returned. We would like to thank everyone who helped circulate the story. This would not have happened without your help.
Though the salmon have been returned, the investigation continues. If you have any information, please contact us at 604-796-9129.
