Originally from Vancouver and raised in Cultus Lake, Carman has lived in many other communities across North America as he embarked on his healing journey. It was through this process that Carman started to walk down a path of self-discovery as he sat down, took time, and learned from Elders of a particular region which deepened an intimate connection with the Earth, his mother. As a result, Carman has spent years of time focused on the interconnection of life in the physical and spiritual worlds.
“My first winter in Vancouver, B.C. was in 1990. My self-determination interconnected me to the downtown east side and the contemporary Indigenous way of being. For years I participated and demonstrated my ability as an active Indigenous youth assisting in the development of a youth council for United Native Nations in British Columbia. My involvement also led me to participate in the Royal Commission for Aboriginal Peoples in Vancouver, Quebec and Ottawa.
Closer to home I began to invest a considerable amount of time learning from my father’s ancestors the Sto:lo. The river has contributed to a livable region for at least 9000 years. My history speaks of geological events which have shaped how we lived and adapted to this vast coast with direct links to the cascade mountain range and those living there as well. A creation story I know well is the story of Cedar and as a carver the respect is necessary.
My experience as head of the family was clear with honest and deliberate intentions. My matriarch retains my most sacred and traditional element required for a family gathering that took me seven years to oversee, hundreds of attendees over a period of a week with a final ceremony for eight hundred, food prepared at different times of the day for all attendees, and additional community spirit initiatives to strengthen my family’s’ memory. Another great journey which arrived to the shores of our river shore “pulling together” worldwide police forces, community groups and Indigenous communities. This canoeing arrival had produced a respectful protocol which allowed all to witness and participate in, remember and retell this generational understanding of food, socializing and the canoeing routes that can be taken along the waterways. Over the years as a board member, head of family and active community member through culture and education I have thrived knowing where tradition is sacred and the contemporary way of being has propelled me with my endeavours.”
While Carman excels as an artist, he is deeply passionate when he is able to share indigenous life skills, understandings, and perspectives to the abundance of learners who have arrived in the Coast Salish Territory. As an active Coast Salish contemporary artist I have expressed interest to those with keen skills and talents which are and function with patience, preparation and pride in their traditional and or contemporary art practice. From the earth is ideally my first source for raw materials, recycled material and when needed the store bought items have all complimented my inspirations, functions and interconnectedness. Like the deer that joins me every time I drum and sing! Making a hand drum has given much depth and comfort with each unique presence! The octagon hand drum I carry has its origin coming from the Grand Canyon which has connections today with math and the Medicine Wheel.
“I have encouraged learners in many forms of educational settings from the two students in a pull out program with authentic Indigenous connections as well as the needs of the nine hundred in a theatre. My first collaborative carving effort was with the entire elementary school, with direct efforts coming from the grade five students leaving towards the middle school model with the girls safely chain sawing the bulk of the cedar away to expose the animal spirit within. Over the course of the school year stories, drawings, respect and preparations occurred with the Indigenous way and understanding of the commitment for this carving! And it has been with an authentic mutual exploration, genuine problem solving, development of skill and implementing the real life solution to all positives and negatives walking along side one another for the Arts!”
As a teacher, Carman honours the responsibility in sharing both traditional and contemporary cultural practices. I have been fortunate to have been in the presence of a lot of great teachers in my time, role models, active and determined. Each setting is unique and I have recognized how each person navigates their unique journey. Examples of commitment for me are my year of preparation for my vision quest to be without food and water for four days and nights. The weekly early literacy classroom visits for five school years! Walking along side my teachers who found no fault in my learning for what I don’t understand, and instead gave support to be present to see, feel, hear and connect with the learning meant to receive and experience. My teachers facilitated an experiential learning environment complimenting their environment and I have seen a great many environments throughout north america in its traditional and contemporary space. The lands and waterways connected in my mind, body and spirit is the home of the Coast Salish continue to inspire my Indigenous way and understanding. My encouragement to all learners, is to look deep within the indigenous part of your history that still does exist! And do your work in the spirit of!
