As the longest-serving member of the FPCC staff, Cathi Charles Wherry has left an indelible mark on the development of the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) and the Indigenous Arts Program. As she prepares for retirement, we want to acknowledge and celebrate Cathi for her commitment and contributions to FPCC’s Arts Programs and her role in advancing Indigenous Arts in B.C.
It was 27 years ago that Cathi put her artistic dreams on hold to join FPCC as an Arts Administrator. Since that time, she has dedicated her days to supporting Indigenous artists in B.C. and beyond. Through advocacy, persistence and collective efforts, Cathi has supported the work of FPCC by building relationships and cultivating opportunities for Indigenous artists in B.C.
Throughout her time with FPCC, Cathi has led us through many special projects. To name only a few of her accomplishments:
- Developed the FPCC Indigenous Arts Program as founding Manager
- Recipient of the Queens Jubilee Award
- Vancouver Opera Project collaboration with FPCC
- FPCC through our partnership with B.C. Ferries artist submissions. Cathi was instrumental in leading the development of the original First Peoples’ Arts Map which is now part of the current First Peoples’ Map.
Throughout her career Cathi advocated for First Nations-led arts programs, building reciprocal and respectful relationships with FPCC partners such as the B.C. Arts Council, creating fair and accessible processes for Indigenous artists, and supporting Indigenous artists as they developed in their careers.
In recent years, her role changed from Arts Program Manager to Special Advisor at FPCC, which involved taking on special arts-related projects like contributing her knowledge to the development of the First Peoples’ Map, curating a collection of First Nations artwork at the FPCC office and other arts-related projects.
We recently sat down with Cathi to talk to her about her years of involvement with the arts at FPCC. We hope you enjoy our conversation.
What initially drew you to work at the First Peoples’ Cultural Council?
I was a visual artist and curator before starting with FPCC in 1996. I was so excited to work with a First Nation-directed organization focused on Indigenous art. It was an actual dream come true and at the time, very rare. As a young Indigenous woman, I had to push to express my Indigeneity my whole life – in school and workplaces, and here I was in a place that considered my identity a vital aspect of my strength. I used to say I had the best job in the arts in B.C. I felt that way throughout my tenure as Arts Program Manager.
What have you enjoyed most about your work at FPCC?
I’ve loved working with artists, serving the community, creating opportunities and connecting with people. There is so much brilliance, depth of thought, creativity and fun in the art world. I value love, kindness, honesty and sharing, and FPCC has given me a place to express these parts of myself while making a meaningful contribution to the world.
What stands out to you as your biggest accomplishment/area of impact?
I founded FPCC’s Arts Program, which has grown from delivering $86K in funding to $2.9 million in 2021-22. I started this during a time when we still had to sit at tables and defend the relevance of Indigenous arts and language. It was a very different climate than the one we operate in now, but I know the programs I created made a difference.
What inspired you to keep doing this work at FPCC for so many years?
I loved the work, the people and the community service. I believe in contributing to Indigenous creative sovereignty and building our arts and cultures, and I was able to do this work through FPCC. I’ve always been inspired by a great sense of responsibility and purpose which makes for a very rich life.
What is your best memory at FPCC?
This is a tough question because there are so many! I always loved the peer review juries. It was inspiring to sit around a table with artists and cultural leaders discussing community efforts to build the arts. Being in that space and sharing ideas with so many amazing people, including some of my art heroes, are some of my favourite memories.
Do you have a dream for the future of Indigenous arts in B.C.?
Reflecting back, I see that some of my dreams have happened during the past 27 years at FPCC. Our traditional art practices have been strengthened by artists, from Elders across generations to the young people today. I am excited to see how artists continue to be influenced and to have influence. With all that Indigenous People have endured, the brilliance deep inside our cores remains. Those embers still ignite dreams and imagination, and that is where hope lives. Artists have always been a part of making dreams real in the world. I look forward to seeing that continue.
What advice can you share with a future generation of arts administrators?
We need you. The work that arts administrators and leaders do is vital to the health of our arts. Although it is demanding work, it is ultimately gratifying. In these roles, we are contributing to a future where Indigenous youth grow up knowing that their stories, dreams, imagination and creative voices matter and that sharing those with the world will have a positive impact.
What are your plans for retirement?
I want to be a good ancestor. I plan to continue learning Anishinaabemowin and Cultural Teachings so that I can pass that knowledge down to my son and the next generation. I’m also an avid gardener and hope to keep learning about plants, medicine and growing food. Lastly, I am also looking forward to turning my attention toward my own art practice. I am brimming with ideas and have plans for a real studio space, so I am excited about that!
In conclusion, I want to say that I am grateful to previous generations, my predecessors, who worked to protect and build Indigenous art so that when it was my turn, a path was started. I hope I did my part to further clear that path for future generations of artists and arts and culture administrators. I also acknowledge the people who generously provided me with mentorship and guidance throughout the years.
As Cathi moves on to her next adventure, we raise our hands to her commitment and efforts, and wish her the best. She has been a constant at FPCC and in the Indigenous arts community in B.C. and her presence will be greatly missed. We know that wherever her path takes her, she will shine with love and light.
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