January 5, 2023 By Mike

The Mysterious Disappearance of the Sacred Rock

Introduction

In 2012, a large boulder with a carving of a Coast Salish face was stolen from a park in North Vancouver. The boulder, which weighed about 2,300 kilograms, was considered a sacred object by the Coast Salish community and was an important cultural landmark.

The disappearance of the Sacred Rock was a shock to the local community and sparked an intense search for its whereabouts. Nine years later, the rock is still missing, and its fate remains a mystery.

This article explores the story of the Sacred Rock, its cultural significance, the efforts to find it, and the questions that still surround its disappearance.

The Significance of the Sacred Rock

The Sacred Rock was a symbol of the Coast Salish people’s connection to the land and their ancestral history. It was located in the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation, on the ancestral lands of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish First Nations.

The boulder was believed to be a manifestation of the Coast Salish ancestor known as Xaays, who is associated with the sea and the land. The carving on the rock was said to represent the face of Xaays, and the rock itself was considered a powerful spiritual object that had healing properties. The Sacred Rock was also an important landmark for the Coast Salish people, who used it as a gathering place for ceremonies, celebrations, and other important events. Its disappearance was a devastating loss for the community.

The Disappearance of the Sacred Rock

The disappearance of the Sacred Rock was discovered in October 2012, when a local resident reported that the boulder was missing from its location in Cates Park. The police were notified, and an investigation was launched.

The theft of the rock was a brazen and audacious act. The boulder was very large and heavy, and it would have taken several people and heavy equipment to move it. The theft was believed to have been carried out at night, and the culprits were never caught.

The disappearance of the Sacred Rock caused outrage in the Coast Salish community and drew attention from the media and the public. The community launched a campaign to find the rock, and the police offered a reward for information leading to its recovery.

The Search for the Sacred Rock

The search for the Sacred Rock was a complex and challenging task. The rock could have been taken anywhere and sold to collectors, art dealers, or other buyers. The carving on the rock made it a unique and recognizable object, but it also made it difficult to sell on the open market.

The Coast Salish community and their supporters organized a series of events and initiatives to raise awareness about the disappearance of the rock and to mobilize the public to help with the search. These included:

• A social media campaign with the hashtag #FindtheRock
• A petition to the Canadian government to help find the rock and protect other sacred objects
• A series of public events, including a vigil, a march, and a concert
• A documentary film about the Sacred Rock and its cultural significance

Despite these efforts, the rock remained elusive. There were several false leads and sightings, but none of them led to the recovery of the rock.

The Questions and Controversies

The disappearance of the Sacred Rock raised several questions and controversies about the treatment of indigenous cultural heritage and the role of the government and the public in protecting it. Some of the questions and issues raised by the disappearance of the rock include:

1. Why was the rock not better protected?

The Sacred Rock was located in a public park, and its theft raised questions about the level of protection and security that was in place to safeguard it. Some members of the Coast Salish community argued that the rock should have been better protected and that the government and the park authorities should have done more to prevent its theft.

2. Why was the theft not solved?

The theft of the Sacred Rock was a high-profile crime that received a lot of attention from the police and the media. Despite this, the culprits were never caught, and the rock was never recovered. This raised questions about the effectiveness of the police investigation and the resources that were allocated to it.

3. What is the fate of the rock?

The fate of the Sacred Rock remains unknown. It is possible that it was sold to a private collector or art dealer, or that it was destroyed or damaged during the theft. Some members of the Coast Salish community believe that the rock is still out there and that it will one day be found and returned.

4. What can be done to prevent the theft of sacred objects?

The disappearance of the Sacred Rock highlighted the vulnerability of indigenous cultural heritage to theft and destruction. The Coast Salish community and their allies have called for better protection and preservation of sacred objects, and for greater recognition of the rights and interests of indigenous peoples in relation to their cultural heritage.

5. What is the significance of the Sacred Rock for reconciliation?

The Sacred Rock is a symbol of the history and culture of the Coast Salish people and their relationship with the land. Its disappearance is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous peoples in asserting their rights and protecting their cultural heritage. The recovery of the rock could be seen as a small step towards reconciliation and the recognition of the importance of indigenous culture and knowledge.

6. What can be done to support the Coast Salish community in their efforts to recover the rock?

The Coast Salish community continues to search for the Sacred Rock and to raise awareness about its disappearance. There are several ways that individuals and organizations can support their efforts, including:

• Spreading the word about the #FindtheRock campaign and other initiatives
• Signing and sharing the petition to the Canadian government
• Donating to the Coast Salish Sacred Rock Fund or other related causes
• Learning more about the history and culture of the Coast Salish people and their relationship with the land.

Bottom Line

The disappearance of the Sacred Rock in 2012 was a devastating loss for the Coast Salish community and a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous peoples in protecting their cultural heritage. The efforts to recover the rock have been extensive and passionate, but so far, they have not been successful. The fate of the rock remains a mystery, but its significance to the Coast Salish people and the broader community cannot be denied. The story of the Sacred Rock is a reminder of the power and importance of cultural heritage and the need to protect and preserve it for future generations.