Saik’uz Gateway Arts & Cultural Exchange
The Saik’uz Gateway Arts & Cultural Exchange will be an important stop for visitors as they travel to, and through, the Stuart Nechako Region.
Being built adjacent to Bednesti Lake Resort, located approximately halfway between Prince George and Vanderhoof, on Highway 16, the new facility will be an outstanding addition to the many attractions available to visitors to north central BC. Residents will find it an interesting new source of First Nations arts, and information.
The Arts & Cultural Exchange Centre is housed in a 2,750 sq. ft. log building being built by Saik’uz Legacy Homes.
A team of Saik’uz band members have designed and carved the massive doors that will welcome visitors to the centre. Twelve totem poles representing each of the traditional clans across the Northwest are also in the works.
There will be two primary features in the Centre:
- A gallery and retail sales area featuring locally produced arts and crafts; and,
- A studio area where artists can work and interact directly with the public.
Three major objectives of the project were:
- To provide a viable venue for art sales for First Nations artists;
- To create a facility that features a strong, positive First Nations presence in the region; and,
- To provide a successful model for First Nation’s business ventures throughout the region.
The project was made possible in part by the Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative and Community Futures.
