SD54 art project wins British Columbia Reconciliation Award

Published 9:32 am Friday, February 13, 2026

The team behind an art project at Smithers Secondary School has been recognized in Victoria with the British Columbia Reconciliation Award.

Launched in 2005-2006 through the collaboration of SD54 Indigenous Education Principal Birdy Markert, Indigenous Support Workers Millie Gunanoot and Melanie Morin, and Smithers Secondary School art teacher Perry Rath, the Honouring Our Elders Legacy Project was created to bridge divides, strengthen understanding, and engage reconciliation through art.

The SD54 Indigenous Education Council oversees the project.

Gunanoot said she is overjoyed about receiving recognition for a project they’ve worked on for over 20 years, which aims to foster reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

“I am on cloud nine,” she said. “It is an unbelievable feeling.”

The group traveled to the province’s capital last month to receive the award, which recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia, or have inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.

Held every two years at SSS, the Honouring Our Elders Legacy Project celebrates one living Elder from each of the Witsuwit’en and settler communities; individuals recognized as carriers of culture and contributors to the well-being of others. After the Elders accept the honour, students are selected to paint their portraits, beginning a process of learning, artistic growth, and relationship-building.

“It’s just a great occasion for us to remember all the different elders and students that have been involved with the project and how the impact just continues to ripple out, and that we’re still going strong with it. We have our next cycle of Elders that we’re preparing for this spring,” said Rath.

He also said the unveiling ceremonies – featuring stories, performances, and a shared luncheon – have become cherished community events, uniting families, youth, and dignitaries in a mutual celebration of respect and gratitude. Each 4’x4’ portrait is permanently displayed outside the school’s main entrance, where they welcome visitors and affirm the values of community and reconciliation.

Gunanoot added she believes it does help with reconciliation efforts.

“At the celebration of the unveiling, the two families connect, and sometimes they do not realize the connection they actually had with each other, how they grew up in their own world, and how so much of it is similar,” she said.