Overlooking the Salish Sea on a perch at the entrance to Henderson Elementary School, a new welcome pole stands.
Carved from cedar harvested from Tla’amin Nation traditional territory, the pole stands as an invitation to all who are coming to the school.
At the welcome pole unveiling ceremony on Wednesday, October 23, Henderson principal Jasmin Marshman said the cooperation between School District 47 and Tla’amin Nation is not something that happens in every community.
“We are so lucky we are part of a community that Tla’amin Nation and our school district does work together,” said Marshman. “They support these types of projects, they come out for these types of projects and they support things you don’t see that are happening every day in school. The school district and the Tla’amin Nation work really hard together to make these things happen.”
Tyler Peters, an indigenous student support teacher in School District 47 from Tla’amin, said the welcome pole project could not have taken place without the collaboration of Tla’amin, the school district and Western Forest Products.
“Western Forest Products was kind enough to donate several cedar logs to the district for welcome poles, not only this one but the ones in coming years to be carved; we are very grateful for that.” said Peters. “I am also very grateful to work in a district that has a strong working relationship with the original peoples of this land. It goes to show how strong we are when we work together with the same goal in mind.”
The welcome pole depicts a woman, and Peters said in his culture, and first nations culture, women are honoured for their vital role in the community and in families.
“They are life-givers, our teachers, avid supporters and we always know they will be there to give us guidance when we need it,” said Peters. “Our mothers breathed for us, they ate for us, they lived for us for nine months while we were in their wombs and I’m grateful for this opportunity to honour women in our community.”
Peters said the cedar log that was carved did not know its purpose. He characterized it as an elder, because in Tla’amin culture, it’s not just humans who can be elders, he said. Other living things can also take on this characteristic, according to Peters.
“This elder could have ended up being one of a thousand things but she had a higher purpose,” said Peters. “It was brushed before the carving began and in doing so the log was made aware of its purpose and its intent. All of the positive energy that Henderson’s wonderful students brought with them is now embodied in this pole. That positive energy gives this pole more strength to do its important duty.”
Peters said there are several welcome poles throughout the school district: at James Thompson Elementary School, Vancouver Island University, Westview Elementary School and Brooks Secondary School. The figure was chosen to be female because the one at neighbouring Brooks is male.
“She faces the ocean, as traditionally, our people didn’t have highways or roads,” said Peters. “The ocean was our highway and canoes were our vehicles.
“Before colonization there were tens of thousands of indigenous people who lived in this area now called Powell River. Welcome poles will let people know that the community was open to welcome them. Her duty is now to open the school and let everyone know they are welcome: students, staff and community alike. She represents a strong connection between our communities and a bright future we have as we continue to collaborate into the future.”
Peters said the welcome pole will be the beginning of a conversation that will further the reconciliation process. He said it was an amazing symbol of connectedness.
“She is so much more than a welcome pole and I’m honoured to be able to speak to her presence,” he added.
The welcome pole was then unveiled by Ivan Rosypskye, carver of the pole.
Peters said after the unveiling that this elder had been transformed into a beautiful welcome pole.
The pole was then blessed and brushed with cedar boughs in order for her to start her sacred duty, according to Peters.
Rosypskye said he has lost track of how many poles he has carved, but right from the beginning he has realized how important it is.
“I put all of my heart and soul into these projects,” he said. “Every project I have with school children, some of the kids catch on and they just want to carve and it’s really cool to see. I’m learning, too, to work with the young ones.”
His first carving was in 2001 and Rosypskye said he has been learning about his culture since then.
“It’s important to me to do a good job at all of the schools and I feel I’ve got the best job around,” he added. “It makes me feel really, really warm.”
School District 47 board of education chairperson Aaron Reid said she wanted to thank the people of Tla’amin, whose traditional territory the event was gathered on.
“Thank you for sharing your culture and traditions with our community, and especially with our children,” said Reid. “Thank you for your patience as we walk together on this journey of reconciliation together. You don’t walk in front, or behind, but side by side with us as friends and neighbours as we navigate our way forward, together.
“We are very proud and honoured to be gifted with this welcome pole, which invites all people onto these grounds and into this school.”
She raised her hands to Rosypskye for all of the heart and time he put into the carving and the elders who were in attendance at the unveiling.
Tla’amin hegus Clint Williams said there was a lot of history to learn and share among all of the people gathered.
“We are very proud of our culture and we’re very proud to be in this relationship with the school district, giving us the opportunity to share our stories and culture,” said Williams. He said these occasions are especially important because the culture has been passed down by verbal tradition.
“The only way the stories and traditions have carried on is by way of mouth and ear,” said Williams. “We weren’t allowed to document anything back in the day and that wasn’t too long ago, so that’s why this is so significant to be sharing the culture and tradition with all of you wonderful people. Enjoy this beautiful culture and this beautiful carving.”
