Art Card - Home (Eagle)
In the late 1920s, my grandmother, Margaret Wilson, met and married my grandfather, Andy Frank. Following a traditional marriage ceremony, she moved down from Alert Bay to settle in K’omoks with her new husband. Being the daughter of a high ranking chief and a noble mother meant that she brought with her many rights and privileges. Through marriage, my grandfather was given his father-in-law’s chiefly name and position and the rights to build the Bighouse which now sits at the heart of our community. My grandmother also proudly brought the eagle crest down to her new home to take its place alongside my grandfather’s killer whale.
Growing up, there were many times that I visited my grandmother in her house on the K’omoks reserve. I would listen to her tell stories about growing up in Fort Rupert and about moving down to Comox. All the while, she spoiled me…and I loved it! There were even short periods of time that we all moved in with her. She made her home, our home.
As an adult, I now live in that same house…looking out at the same view that my grandmother saw when she first moved here. Yes, things have changed. There is way more traffic and development, for instance. Yet, I can still look out my window or go across to the beach and take in the splendour of the Comox Valley. I can gaze up to the snow-covered glacier or I can witness eagles circling overhead by the dozens. Still, there are times that I simply see a single solitary eagle sitting on her perch. I cannot help but think that it may be my grandmother checking in on me…and our home.
-Andy Everson
8 3/4" x 6 1/4" Card
12" x 9" Matted Card
