This portrait series was created by Rosemary Georgeson and Donna Usher with cooperation of Galiano Indigenous families and the Yellowhouse Arts Centre on Galiano Island. The portraits are to acknowledge and celebrate the legacy and distinct heritage of Galiano Island’s Indigenous community. 

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The recent loss of local Elders and knowledge keepers motivated us to reconnect, gather, talk, listen, record, and document. We were inspired to create this portrait series to recognize Galiano’s current Indigenous community, while reflecting on history. “Islanders: Galiano’s First Peoples” begins to map connections to the island, to the past, and to one another. Though it is a small part of a big story.

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Each portrait gives insight into the individual through unique expressions and body language. Every person plays a significant role in the series to tell the story of the family. What has become even more apparent throughout the process is the commitment to family and the importance of learning about our ancestry to carry the knowledge for future generations. There is tremendous love, respect, and support within this group of humans. ​