SENĆOŦEN Tree Tiles
Rooted in land-based learning and Indigenous language revitalization, the SENĆOŦEN Tree Tiles project brings together art, culture, and community through hand-crafted cedar tiles inscribed with the names of local trees.
Random Acts of Geography began as a youth-led initiative combining land-based learning and Indigenous language revitalization. Spearheaded by Robin Clysdale, the project involved 3D-printing terrain models of islands and regions significant to First Nations and Inuit communities, accompanied by greetings and thank-you messages in local Indigenous languages such as Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwak’wala, Hul’qumi’num, North Qikiqtaaluk dialect, Anishinaabemowin, and Mi’kmaq.
Inspired by this work, the SENĆOŦEN Tree Tiles project was developed as an extension. Dr. Onowa McIvor collaborated with Robin Clysdale and the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board language team to create hand-crafted cedar tiles featuring the names of trees native to southern Vancouver Island, many of which hold significance for local First Nations, in the SENĆOŦEN language. Made from natural cedar designed to age and weather over time, the tiles celebrate the enduring connection between language, land, and culture.
Both projects were rooted in careful consultation with community language resources and reflect a shared commitment to supporting Indigenous language resurgence.
