When the Ahousaht First Nation People saved 21 lives in the stormy waters off Tofino BC
Jock Hildebrand
International Sculptor, President Cowichan Public Art Gallery and senior editor and founder at SculpturesPacific Magazine
A SCULPTURE PROJECT
On October 25th, 2015, when the whale watching vessel Leviathan II capsized off the Vancouver Island town of Tofino, 5 boats from the Ahousaht First Nations were first on the scene to assist with the rescue. This is not the first time members of the Ahousaht First Nations led rescue efforts, showing their care, compassion and bravery.
In the words of Chief Greg Louie of the Ahousaht First Nations: “We did this yesterday, we will do it today, and we will do it tomorrow, regardless of race, color or religion.”
Often heroic and life changing events are recognized immediately after the incident, and then quickly forgotten, although the gratitude is heartfelt and sincere, as lasting memories linger in the minds of both rescuers and those rescued.
With gratitude and pride in the lifesaving actions of the Ahousaht rescuers both on this and other occasions, we propose the creation of a sculpture, which would commemorate for all time the heroism of the Ahousaht People.
THE PLAN
Internationally recognized sculptor JOCK HILDEBRAND (www.jockhildebrand.com) will create a sculpture to be placed in a public location. The sculpture will depict a round disc representing the ocean, out of which one hand will reach to take the hand of another (see attached sketch). The hands will be created by taking live casts from one of the survivors and one of the rescuers. These will be enlarged to form part of the sculpture, intended to be approximately 18 ft high.
With the consent and blessing of the Ahousaht First Nations Council, we are working on all aspects of the project, including:
? Creation of the sculpture from concept through to installation
? Participation of First Nations youth to learn about sculpture creation and specifically the bronze casting process
? A documentary of the project
HOW YOU CAN HELP
This project can only become a reality through group and individual donations.
If you would like to help us recognize THE HEROES OF AHOUSAHT, please contact us at [email protected] or www.facebook.com/HeroesofAhousaht . A website to accept donations is under construction.
With sincerely thanks, Jock and Carmen Hildebrand (Sculptors) & Jennifer Newman (survivor)