Camosun Innovates recognized for Totem 2.0 collaboration
Camosun Innovates received a Land Award for its 'Totem 2.0' project, which uses modern engineering to assist Indigenous artists. The project promotes sustainability by utilizing second-growth cedar, helping to preserve old-growth forests while supporting cultural traditions.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates how applied research and technology can bridge the gap between environmental conservation and the preservation of Indigenous cultural practices.
Camosun Innovates has been recognized with a Land Award for its work on Totem 2.0, a project combining technology, sustainability, and Indigenous artistic traditions.
The project was developed in collaboration with Indigenous artist Carey Newman, a Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish artist and University of Victoria impact chair for Indigenous art practice. Totem 2.0 explores how modern engineering and manufacturing technologies can support Indigenous artists while responding to environmental concerns around the availability of traditional materials.
Camosun Innovates director Richard Gale says that the college’s push toward supporting the Totem 2.0 initiative is a positive step for Camosun.
“This is a real commitment for the college, this kind of relationship building, and that we’re very proud to be at the forefront of this kind of work, and for Camosun as a college to be known for this kind of thing is absolutely remarkable,” he says.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in