From left, Sts'ailes (Chehalis) Master Carver Gary Leon, Surrey Board of Education Vice Chair Gary Tymoschuk and Chair Laurie Larsen, Indigenous Learning Director of Instruction Lyn Daniels, Deputy Supt. Andrew Holland, Katzie First Nation member Terrence Pierre and Coun. David Kenworthy, and Indigenous district language and culture facilitator Paula James. Bothwell Elementary unveiled its long-awaited welcome figure in a ceremony on Monday, designed to provide a welcome to the local territory for students, parents and families at the school. (Photos by Jacob Zinn)
Students, parents and families at Bothwell Elementary will now be welcomed to the school by a new Coast Salish welcome figure, unveiled in a ceremony with Surrey Schools staff and dignitaries earlier this week.
On Monday, the Fraser Heights school unveiled the new welcome figure, designed by Sts'ailes (Chehalis) Master Carver Gary Leon (Talekwitsen) and carved out of red cedar. The figure is intended to encourage more inclusive environments for Indigenous families by acknowledging the territories of the Coast Salish people, and is a continuation of the district's ongoing efforts towards reconciliation.
Sts'ailes (Chehalis) Master Carver Gary Leon was adorned in a blanket and headband as part of the unveiling ceremony for the welcome figure he designed for Bothwell Elementary. (Photos by Jacob Zinn)
Nearly a dozen students from the Katzie First Nation were on hand to represent the local territory and act as witnesses of the ceremony. Additionally, of the Katzie First Nation, former chief Ed Pierre was in attendance, and Coun. David Kenworthy, Terrence Pierre, Grade 12 Fraser Heights Secondary student Carlee Leon and Grade 10 Pitt Meadows Secondary student Clarissa Moody-Jimmie performed a welcome song with Indigenous drumming.
"These welcome figures hold deep historical significance to First Nations and are used by the Coast Salish to welcome people to their territories," said Laurie Larsen, Chair of the Surrey Board of Education. "At Bothwell Elementary, there is a measured and thoughtful approach to centralizing the history, wisdom and culture of the Katzie First Nation.
"As a school district on unceded territory, we are deeply committed to our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples."
The welcome figure at Bothwell is dressed in a traditional Salish-woven blanket and cedar hat, with a unique design that is individual to the school.
Bothwell marks Leon's eighth figure for the district since 2019, after unveilings at Douglas, Edgewood, École K.B. Woodward, Maddaugh and Regent Road elementary schools, and Grandview Heights and École Salish secondary schools. He is also working on welcome figures for Fraser Heights Secondary and the new City Centre elementary school opening next September.
"What an honour it is to have my work displayed," said Leon. "I'm just glad it's in a good home.
"Students are welcome to go up and give it a hug or put your hand on it. I'm hoping you guys will enjoy it - treat it well and it'll treat you well, if you look after it, it will look after you."
Other schools that are scheduled to receive welcome figures in the near future are Ta'talu Elementary, Xw'epiteng Elementary and Snokomish Elementary, which will be unveiled in their own ceremonies.
For a gallery of photos from the event, click here.
