Gulf Islands Welcome Pole Ceremony
Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 marked a significant day for SD64 and the Gulf Islands. After 3 years, thousands of hands, and hundreds of hours carving together, our SD64 Coast Salish Welcome Figure was raised!
On March 6th the Welcome Figure was unveiled in front of hundreds of students, staff, families and community members in a ceremony full of rich protocols that honoured the magnitude of the event. All who were there were witness and part of the monumental day. People were deeply moved as they listened respectfully to Cowichan Hul’qumi’num speaking Elder Fred George as he spoke to the teachings and significance of the Welcome Figure.
For the past 3 years, students, staff, families and community members from around the Gulf Islands have had the opportunity to join in and carve the Welcome Figure alongside the talented Salish Interior artist Quentin Harris. This is the first Welcome Figure in our district and proudly stands beside Rainbow Road between GISS, SIMS and SSE.
One Fernwood student, when asked about the ceremony said:
“I knew what we were seeing was something pretty important. I didn’t completely understand all of it but I knew it was big. I felt alot respect and pride as I watched. I am grateful I was there and that we all helped make the pole together.”—Gabe
Please see more photos of the Ceremony and Welcome Pole.
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Story: Shannon Johnston
Photos: John Cameron
Xwaaqw’um Big Canoe
The Arbutus and Cedar nature classes from Fernwood School had a hands-on opportunity to work with master carver Joe Martin on the Xwaaqw’um (Burgoyne Bay) snuhwulh (canoe).
“The 32 foot-long snuhwulh, carved from a single 710 year old X’pey (western red cedar tree) downed in a river valley windstorm will be finished over the next month or so for the Xwaaqw’um Project…The snuhwulh will become an integral part of upcoming Indigenous youth culture and leadership camps at Xwaaqw’um, along with use by school groups and cultural events for many years to come.” 1
Credits:
Joe Martin, Master Carver from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and the Xwaaqw’um Project
Photos: Christopher Roy
1Original Story Link: (Salt Spring Exchange)
Work Progressing on the Xwaaqw’um Big Canoe – Carvers Host Fernwood Nature Class Visits
