Reconciliation Paddle

The Reconciliation Paddle at the University of Victoria was created in 2019 for the Building Reconciliation Conference. This national gathering of post-secondary leaders aimed to keep the fire of truth and reconciliation burning brightly within universities.

Three paddles were created, one representing the past and another the present. Our paddle represents the future. Combined, these paddles represent the collective journey all Canadians are on in the work of Truth and Reconciliation.

These paddles replaced an earlier "walking stick" with the beaded crests of each host university. The stick travelled to different post-secondary institutions for four years. This walking stick, and the paddle honouring the past, are housed at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg.

The paddle for the present stays with the host institution of each year's Building Reconciliation Forum.

Borrow the Reconciliation Paddle

The paddle housed at the University of Victoria can be borrowed for events and ceremonies.

For such events, it is intended to be both a helper and source of inspiration as students, faculty, community and the university continue the work of truth, reconciliation, and establishing respectful relationships.

About the artists

The future paddle was carved and painted by two former UVic students: Karver Everson (K’omoks and Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw) and Margaret August (Shishalh First Nation). The paddle will serve as a constant reminder of UVic’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

The paddle is displayed in a stand created by artist and master carver Carey Newman/Hayalthkin’geme (Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw and Sto:lo). Carey is the Impact Chair in Indigenous Art Practices in the Visual Arts Department at UVic.

Artist statement from Margaret August

In her own words, Margaret August asks us to reflect on her design for the Reconciliation Paddle.

“The paddle is a functional tool made to propel us through time and distance. To take us on a journey across the past, present and future. From here, we can experience our cultures more freely than in the recent past. With that in mind, each stroke of the paddle pays homage to the thousands of years of our ancestors.

The design I created for UVic’s TRC initiative depicts a Coast Salish moon. The moon represents the ancestors before us, who fought for our rights as Indigenous peoples all across Turtle Island. As Indigenous people, we have overcome great challenges and continue to do so. This paddle represents the honoring and the ongoing growth of our present-day generations, Elders included. In celebration of our children today, who are becoming lawyers, entrepreneurs, renowned artists, teachers, and so on. It is with great pleasure to acknowledge this significance with the paddle.” 

Artist statement from Karver Everson

Karver Everson articulates his intentions for the design he created for the Reconciliation Paddle.

“I approached this reconciliation piece from a place of desire for grounding in the land and culture practices to heal as our ancestors did before us. For the reconciliation paddle I chose imagery that represents nature: animals and ancestors paramount to the identity of first nation peoples on the northwest coast.

I depicted the cedar tree or tree of life on the blade of the paddle to show our strong connection to this tree as everything was made from it, from canoes to clothing. The cedar tree grows tall and powerful because of the conditions it grows in. This is symbolic of the cedar tree’s relationship to us as Indigenous peoples. When we know our roots and are proud of who we are and where we come from, it is healing. When we are on the land and practice culture as our ancestors did before us, it is healing and creates the best conditions for us to grow.

Beneath the tree a face in black represents our ancestors who did their best to ensure we had culture to practice today; they help our root system. When we have a relationship with the land and ourselves we can grow into who we are.

I also depicted a salmon on the top of the paddle to highlight our connection to our oceans and rivers. Harvesting, processing, and eating fish together provides opportunities for connectivity and interaction in the family. When we harvest our traditional foods it uplifts our spirits and we carry on the traditions as we always have.” 

Place a request

To place a request to borrow the paddle, please fill out the form below. 

We recommend that you submit your request at least two weeks in advance. This will help make sure we have enough planning time. 

If you have any questions, please email speccoll@uvic.ca.