A totem pole inspired by nature and First Nations heritage in Oak Bay will help educate the community and build bridges with local nations, said organizers.
“The purpose is to educate the youth all the way to the elders of the community,” said Joe Blake, from the Community Association of Oak Bay. “It’s something this community really needs.”
The group launched the Sno’uyutth totem pole project on the lawn of Oak Bay High School on Saturday. Sno’uyutth means “spreading good energy,” in the Lekwungen language of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.
The association is spearheading the $88,000 project, which will see a six-metre red cedar totem pole carved and erected outside the new $50-million Oak Bay High in the next year.
Blake said the hope is that the totem project will be used as a teaching tool about First Nations culture and be seen as a gesture of reconciliation.
“The whole point of this thing is to turn our relationship with First Nations around,” he said.
The group has raised about $15,000, including a $6,000 grant from Oak Bay council, and has partnered with the Rotary Club to offer tax receipts.
Renowned Songhees artist and educator Butch Dick designed the totem pole with his son and team. The design features an Earth mother at the top, as well as an eagle, salmon, camas and sea otter — all part of the local natural history.
Dick has a number of prominent art works around Greater Victoria, including the totems in Victoria’s Spirit Square and at the Songhees Wellness Centre. But he has also been an educator for 37 years, and welcomes work that combine art and learning.
“I like these kinds of projects. I like all that’s attached to it because everyone involved will gain,” he said. “It feels purposeful.”
At the event, Esquimalt Chief Andy Thomas told the small crowd: “Not everybody steps up like this. People are still trying to figure out how to speak to us. Thank you for what you’re doing and for your efforts.”
Edith Loring-Kuhanga, one of several Greater Victoria school trustees at the event, said she was very pleased with the project, as recognition of aboriginal people appeared to be missing in the design of the new high school.
“This is huge. This is a traditional territory. I’m glad someone has highlighted it,” said Loring-Kuhanga, who is originally from the Gitxsan nation in northern B.C.
Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen said: “I’m honoured to be part of a community that cares enough to start a project like this.”
