Kwakwaka’wakw carver Beau Dick with a copper and talking stick.

By Carlito Pablo, The Georgia Straight,June 25, 2014

An ancient First Nations ritual steeped in symbolism is going to take place in the nation’s capital this summer.

A copper shield will be smashed on Parliament Hill, an act believed never to have been done before in Ottawa. Called copper cutting, the ceremonial shaming practice will evoke what many consider to be a broken relationship between the federal government and Canada’s aboriginal people.

“Our coppers are a symbol of justice, a symbol of truth, a symbol of balance,” according to Beau Dick, a renowned carver from Vancouver Island’s Namgis First Nation.