A new sign is unveiled on the Fisheries Restoration Interpretive Drive during the 1st Annual Return of the Salmon Festival, November 2000. This sign was commissioned to represent the Nuu-chah-nulth teaching of Hishuk ish ts'awalk, a term that translates as "everything is one" and embodies the concepts of sacredness and respect. The interpretive drive was created in 1999 to highlight years of restoration efforts that have taken place in the Kennedy Watershed in Clayoquot Sound. The trail has involved local communities, tenure holders, businesses, enhancement societies, and environmental organizations. The trail provides an educational opportunity for users to learn more about fish and forest ecosystems and the importance of these ecosystems to the health of local cultures and communities. The trail also highlights the importance of community and corporate partnerships in achieving sustainable solutions. Poster replicas of the interpretive sign are available from the Central Westcoast Forest Society for $25 plus shipping. Or donations of $100 or more receive a free poster and a tax receipt. Your donations will support continued fish and forest ecosystem habitat restoration in Clayoquot Sound and adjacent areas. Posters can be ordered by contacting the Central Westcoast Forest Society at: Box 405, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0 Tel: (250) 726-2424 Fax: (250) 726-7211 Email: cwfs@alberni.net Thank you for your support. Back to Festival Information Back to How To Help About the Artist, Eugene Martin Eugene Martin was born in Tofino, BC and has lived in the Clayoquot Sound area for most of his life. From that beautiful natural environment all around him he draws inspiration for his art. And as a member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation he draws inspiration from his culture and heritage and also uses his art to portray one of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations' greatest teachings: "Hishuk ish is'awalk" or "everything is one." Employed in the commercial fishery, working in enhanced forestry, and in recent years working as a watershed restoration worker, his art started as simply a past time, but soon became a passion. He started out simply sketching and playing around with drawings, also receiving some basic art training from his older brother, Ray Martin. To date Eugene has produced a variety of limited edition prints. The piece commissioned for the sign on the Fisheries Restoration Interpretive Drive and for the 1st Annual Return of the Salmon Festival poster is a piece reflecting the Hishuk ish is'awalk teaching. The traditional native prayer about the importance of salmon to native people sits beside the artwork and both reflect the idea that everything is connected. With the various animals all seeming to flow together with a harmonious and magical feeling, Eugene says he hopes the work conveys the message of Hishuk ish is'awalk.