On the afternoon of Tuesday, October 19, at approximately 2pm, a theft occurred at the Saint John Arts Centre of a carved mask by Indigenous artist Ned Bear. The mask was the centrepiece of a permanent display acknowledging the unceded lands of the First Nations in this part of New Brunswick.

SJAC is asking the public for assistance in locating this mask, titled “Pawakam”, (dimensions: 24″ x 11″ x 6” including feathers) and is offering a $500 reward for its safe return. 

(UPDATE, NOV. 10: A generous donor has added $100 to the reward to make it $600!)

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of “Pawakam” are asked to please contact the Saint John Police Department 506-648-3333 or the Saint John Arts Centre 506-633-4870

It is important to the Saint John community that this mask be found so it can return to its rightful place in helping the discussion towards truth and reconciliation.