On Friday October 1st, 2021 Wiyot Tribal Chair Ted Hernandez watched a pole sculpture Rick Bartow had gifted to him 7 years ago get installed in the first Wiyot Cultural Center in Eureka, Ca., formally called the Da gou rou louwi' Cultural Center.
The sculpture, titled "Coming Home" and created by Rick in 2014, evokes the connection of past and future generations in it's woven design.
Da gou rou louwi' translates from Soulatluk, the language of the Wiyot Tribe, to "the ongoing return of all” (lit. ‘continuous again all the returning’). Marnie Atkins, the Center's manager, talks about the meaning of the name like this: "The meaning encompasses the return of language and ceremonial and sacred practices just as much as healthy land, water, air, etc., Wiyot lifeways, our Ancestors still held in museums instead of being laid to rest, and a healthy and cohesive Wiyot community. And so much more!"
The Bartow Project facilitated the collaboration with Blue Ox Millworks to repair and professionally install this artwork. Craftsmen Cesar and Kenny from the Blue Ox Millworks attached the sculpture to a pillar near the entrance to the beautiful space in Old Town Eureka to greet visitors. The Tribe looks forward to announcing the grand opening of the Center as soon as Covid19 numbers in the county allow this to happen safely.
The Bartow Project plans to premiere the 4 short films in the works at Da gou rou louwi' Cultural Center in the spring of 2022.
Stay tuned!
Whos' who in last image of slideshow, from left to right:
Michelle Hernandez, Elizabeth Hernandez, Ted Hernandez, Marnie Atkins, Zuzka Sabata,
Kenny Dabill, and Cesar Murillo
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