A Lego model of Tse’k’wa National Historic Site, created by Executive Director Alyssa Currie, has won in the adult category of a local building contest. The City of Fort St John Recreation department organized the “Build Off” contest in celebration of International Lego Day. Community members were invited to build their favourite Fort St John area location out of the popular building blocks. Currie has worked with the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society since 2021 and recently rediscovered Lego as a pastime.
“I’ve always enjoyed Lego but now that my nephews are old enough to build with me, it’s given me an excuse to bring out my childhood Lego bin and buy a few sets for myself. I’ve had the cave-people minifigures on my desk as decoration for a while and I thought that they would be perfect for a model. I wanted to share Tse’k’wa at my favourite time of year and with some of the things that make it special to me, mainly the stories and language I’ve learned from working with different Dane-zaa knowledge holders.” – Alyssa Currie.
The Tse’k’wa model was announced as the winner of the adult category on March 4th in a Facebook post from City of Fort St John Recreation, alongside winners in other categories. The build is called “12,000 Years at Tse’k’wa” and is described as follows:
“It’s springtime at Tse’k’wa National Historic Site! The Heritage Society prepares for the latest archeology field school as the jijezaa (saskatoons) and hus (wild roses) bloom. Young visitors hear stories from elders as they gather traditional plants and see the ancient bones of the wǫlii nachíí (giant animals). Inside the cave, we are transported back in time 12,000 years. Dane-zaa ancestors cook lhuuge (fish) that will be preserved in the archaeological record and tell stories that will be passed down 500 generations. Tse’k’wa comes alive with the memories of the past and the promise of a good future. This model was built with multiple colours representing stratigraphic layers, an imagined “window” into the back of the cave, and a functional hinged lid that opens up to reveal the interior of the cave. The model builder, Alyssa Currie, works for the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society and is grateful to all the Dane-Zaa knowledge holders who have shared their culture and language with her.”
The win came as a pleasant surprise to Currie, who was awarded a gift card and a Lego set that she intends to build with her nephews. The model will be displayed at the Treaty 8 Tribal Association (10233 100 Ave, Fort St John) reception until the end of the month.
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