UNBC's First Nations Centre launched Nenachalhuya - The Cedar Plank Project as a way to honour, give thanks, celebrate, and recognize some of the many First Nations communities that we serve. The project saw Cree/Dakelh artist Clayton Gauthier carve and paint the logos of 32 northern BC First Nations throughout 2019-2021.
Unveiled in September 2021, the carvings now surround the walls of Lhuhuhwhezdel: The Gathering Place at UNBC's Prince George campus, which is used to host events by the First Nations Centre, as well as the UNBC and Prince George communities as a whole.
Nenachalhuya is a Dakelh word meaning “you have done us great honour” or “we are thankful for what you have done”. We say nenachalhuya to these communities for working with us, trusting us to represent them in this way, and trusting us with their students, past, present, and future. We hope that current and future students take pride in seeing their communities visually represented on campus.
"Walking this journey as an artist, I have learned a lot about myself and the arts. My bloodline is Cree and Dakelh. The art I produce is revolved around our traditional teachings that we have learned from our Elders, the Spirit within and our Mother Earth. Throughout this art journey I have completed many logos, murals, drums, rattles, carvings, tattoos, digital art and also, I’m a published author of the children’s book "The Salmon Run”. I have made “Art” an active part of my life. Artwork in my life gives me a feeling of serenity that nothing can replace. I love to share my gifts to the ones who want to learn. We are as beautiful as our art.”
- Clayton Gauthier
