Authentic, West Coast, Indigenous Art: The Bumble Bee
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Designed by Kolten Grant
Kolten Khasalus Grant
I was raised in the village of Xwemelch’stn (Capilano reserve) part of the Squamish Nation. I was born in 1992 and have been an artist my entire life.
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Bumble Bee in Indigenous Art
Certainly! Here’s an original copy for your website, blending the cultural and ecological significance of bumblebees:
Bumblebee: A Symbol of Community and Connection
In the rich traditions of the Namgis (Kwakwaka'wakw) people of the Pacific Northwest, bumblebees hold a profound cultural significance. During potlatch ceremonies, masked dancers embody the spirit of the bee, using "stingers" to touch others as a gesture of connection and exchange. These symbolic stings are met with small gifts, representing the reciprocity and generosity woven into Indigenous community values.
The Native Bee Symbol also embodies honesty and a steadfast commitment to serving the greater good—values that resonate deeply across cultures.
Beyond their cultural importance, bumblebees are ecological keystones. Native to Canada, they play an essential role in pollinating wild plants and crops, sustaining the intricate web of life on the Lower Mainland and beyond. Their presence reminds us of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of nurturing our shared environment.
Celebrate the bumblebee: a timeless emblem of community, resilience, and harmony with nature.
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Sterling Silver Pendant, Made in BC, Canada
"Bumble Bee Pendant" and all First Nations Gallery jewelry is made on reservation land, located in what is known as North Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. and all First Nations Gallery jewelry is made on Indigenous territories, located in what is known as Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.
