The featured young artist, Samantha, and her painting titled „Spóqes' (Bald Eagle) took centre stage, as the other young artists and their works were included in smaller photographs that surrounded her painting.

An opening reception included a speech from Her Excellency, with special comments directed to Samantha, who represented the British Columbian youth. “…Culture as a means of celebrating life and expressing one's identity…and the importance of belonging to a community. In the case of Samantha, who is here with us today, it is the belonging to a nation, the Tzeachten First Nation, which has lived on this land since as far back as human memory can recall. Senior artists from Emily Carr University of Art and Design guided these children in their search to discover the place around them and the place within...” – Please see Her Excellency' complete speech at www.gg.ca/media.ca. Press Release dated March 25, 2009.

Stó:lō Tourism Commission Chair, Lole Wee Lay Laq witnessed the promotion and use of Halq'eméylem by Her Excellency as the dignitaries and guests were encouraged to say “Sp'ó'qes”.

On April 3, 2009 the Stó:lō Tourism Commission hosted a reception and honoured the Ch'iyaqtel Halq'eméylem Sq'eq'ip “Spirit of Place' pod at the Stó:lō Artisan Centre. Over 60 people packed the space. All „Spirit of Place' artworks on display were framed by You've Been Framed, and professionally displayed on easels loaned from the Chilliwack Arts Council. Sandra Bonner-Pederson presented each youth with a cedar headband. Lole presented the youth with certificates of participation from both the Emily Carr University of Art & Design and the Governor General of Canada. T'it'elem Spá:th~Singing Bear, Eddie Gardner, T'í:ol~Dion Weisbrod and Lole, sang and drummed in honour of the achievements of the youth. The youth were instructed by Lole at the end of the evening on how to care for and honour the cedar they received.

Some comments received:

“Gilakas'la! I am really glad to see this room full of people here supporting the youth and glad that Lole Wee-Lay-Laq has brought them up with language and culture. The art is all part of that. Please welcome Lole and the youth.” – Paula Cranmer-Underhill, Manager, Stó:lō Tourism Commission; Sto:lo Artisan Centre

“We are here to honour the youth for all their hard work. It was an honour to work with each and everyone one of theses students on this project. Sport, sustainability and culture were the three pillars of the Winter Olympics that we had to choose from, we choose culture. Watching the youth visualize their thoughts and ideas around their culture/s was wonderful. Language and culture are inseparable so to see First Nations language incorporated within their paintings was a natural evolution. Now our language is not only on our breath, it now grace's our walls!

It was also an honour to be invited by Emily Carr University to represent the Mentors of the "Spirit of Place exhibit'.

Her Excellency has requested we invite her to visit us in our territory, Paula & I are currently preparing a formal invitation.” – Laura Wee-Láy-Láq, Stó:lō Tourism Commission Chair and Spirit of Place 2008 Senior Artist Mentor

“When I was younger there was nothing around for the youth. Being recognized nationally is very important. The path you have set down for yourself and for others to follow…it's a great thing. Remember, it's a difficult trail, never get discouraged, look forward, and solve any difficulties in the best way you can. Look after the Elders, and the youth coming up behind you. Congratulations.” – Siyemches, Hereditary Chief Frank Malloway, Yakweakwioose First Nation.

“How wonderful to be able to Celebrate with the Young Artists of the Sto:lo Cultural Olympiad for the Spirit of Youth recognition. My hands are lifted in honour of your accomplishment. May you know how proud the aboriginal communities are of you. With much respect” - Rikki Kooy (Spirit Elk Woman)