'“Nomas” is one way to say grandfather in Kwakw’ala. This piece is dedicated to my late nomas, Harris Smith Lalkawilas. I wanted this box to honour my nomas’ art, legacy and teachings.

My grandfather’s hummingbird design has been used on all four sides of this box. When I painted them, I chose to leave them unaltered adding no additional formline elements to give the impression of a shadow. The colourful shadows against the white background are meant to highlight the vibrancy of the past and show how its beauty is carried forward today. The lavish gold interior of the box and the floral arrangement on top are symbols of commemoration and celebration.

This is my first year being included in the Charity Bentwood Box show. My father, Steve Smith Dla’kwagila is in this show, and with the incorporation of my grandfather’s design I feel that three generations of my family are in this year’s show-which is very special to me."

-Rachel Smith