The Regional Directorate for Communities stated in Canada that Azorean Diaspora communities have been instrumental to the construction and development of several companies, thus contributing to the assertion of the Azores and Portugal.

Paulo Teves spoke Saturday on behalf of the President of the Government at the opening of the monument "Shore to Shore" at Stanley Park in Vancouver, a tribute to the Azorean pioneer "Portuguese Joe." The government official considered that this ceremony represented another "historical moment as well as the recognition of the courage and entrepreneurial spirit shown by the Azorean People. These unique characteristics have always guided the life of Azorean islanders."

"This monument will mark for posterity the presence and action of this Azorean man in this remote area of Canada, which deserved the recognition of the different peoples who built this land," said the Regional Director. He added that this ceremony, “full of meaning and emotion, honours not only a man, but all those who followed him in search of the means that would ensure them a dignified life and a promising future in this distant land."

"The Government of the Azores joined early on to this project that undoubtedly enriches and enhances our history, marked by emigration and the Diaspora communities. Despite the time and geographical distances that separate these communities from their origins, they remain attached to our islands," said the government official.

In this regard, the government official stressed that the stones found on the monument base were gifted by the Regional Government as a contribution and recognition of the relevance of the initiative as well as of the community involvement it encouraged.

Created by artist Luke Marston, great-great grandson of Joe Silvey, the monument "Shore to Shore" embodies an ancestral link between Azorean culture and Coast Salish - First Nation. It marks the arrival of the first Portuguese to set foot on the west coast of Canada over 150 years ago, being also a true testimony of his undeniable contribution to the development of that region.

The opening ceremony brought together over 200 guests and was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of British Colombia, Judith Guichon, the Minister of Justice of that province, Suzanne Anton, the Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson and representatives of various associations from Azorean communities and Coast Salish Nation. The Regional Director for Communities was the only speaker from the Azores.

Joe Silvey was born in Calheta de Nesquim on Pico Island on April 23, 1828. He began whale hunting from a very young age.

He boarded an American whaling boat, along with his father and brother, and came in 1852 to the place that today is the province of British Columbia. He never returned to the Azores.

In the 19th century, Joe Silvey, who married two women from Coast Salish Nation, engaged in fishing activities and opened several commercial establishments. He encouraged the development of various places in the province of Vancouver and helped many Portuguese who settled in the area.
 
The statue, which is about five metres high, portrays Joe Silvey and his two wives. It is rooted on Azorean cobblestone, a gift by the Regional Government, and features several elements from both cultures in a harmonious symbiosis.

"The monument base could not be better represented by the stones that come directly from the Azores. It symbolises the origin of all this, the reason we are here today," said Paulo Teves.

For the Regional Director, "the construction of this impressive monument promotes and ensures the dissemination of the rich cultural heritage of our ancestors that will be passed on to future generations, thus projecting the image of 'Azoreanity' and'Portugueseness' in the world."