Page 314 - YGARTUA: Magnum Opus - volume three

“It has been an honor for me, to paint
the extraordinary people of the ancient
civilization of the Heiltsuk Nation, with
historical records going back some 9,500
years. My Basque Heritage, the oldest race
of Europe and my interest in the First People
of the World and the preservation of
all ancient cultures, gives me great
pride to be part of the enrichment
and presentation of the legacy that
contributes to the rich cultural heritage of
Bella Bella.”
Hilistis ‘Pauline’ Waterfall, an advocate for
access to education for all First Nations people,
2010 Order of BC recipient, educator, founding
member of the Indigenous Adult & Higher
Learning Association, proud ambassador,
member, and “Keeper of the Knowledge” of
the Heiltsuk Nation, and instrumental part of
making this day possible, during her introduction
of the artist she said “What endeared me most
was Paul’s openness to culture, his openness to
learning and his willingness to capture the spirit
and essence of our ancestors. In the old days,
our people believed that if you could capture the
spirit of someone in a photograph, or a painting,
then it was an eternal treasure that kept us
connected to them.
When he started, he felt the ancestral and spiritual
energy. I call him, my ‘Mural Miracle Maker’ -
Hilistis ‘Pauline’ Waterfall Duka’aisla William
Housty – Heiltsuk Nation, acknowledged and
thanked Ygartua for the deep respect he showed
when dealing with their ancestors. He presented
Ygartua with the Beaded Eagle Feather “Which
represents the strength, unity, and power that
comes from the wings of the Great Eagle - It
comes from all of our people.
Paul was humbled and honored by the Eagle
Feather gifted to him by the Heiltsuk Nation,
on Saturday, July 6, 2013. Understanding
the symbolism of the Eagle Feather it will be
treasured with deep appreciation and affection.
The feather is a powerful symbol that signifies
honor and a connection between the owner, the
Creator, and the bird from which the feather
came. It symbolizes trust, honor, strength,
wisdom, power and freedom being deeply
revered and a sign of high honor.
Paul Ygartua and his wife Joan exchanged
an emotional hug with an equally emotional
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