Hundreds of graduating students will cross the stage at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) during seven convocation ceremonies June 10 to 13.
Next to them on stage at KPU Surrey will be five vibrantly-coloured canoe paddles created by Kwantlen First Nation visual artist Brandon Gabriel symbolizing their educational journey.
"To have my work placed in the same space when the next group of graduates walk across the stage, it's very emotional and I'm very proud," says Gabriel.
Each paddle is hand-carved and painted with an original Coast Salish design characterizing a KPU campus a wolf for Surrey, a beaver for Tech, a bear for Civic Plaza, a thunderbird for Richmond and an eagle for Langley.
"The Surrey campus, in my mind, is the heartbeat of KPU, and I wanted to pick something that could encapsulate that at a cosmological level," says Gabriel. "The wolf felt most fitting because it embodies community, unity and family, which are present here.
"There are a lot of students that come here from other places, leaving their families and communities of origin," he says. "Finding a sense of community is very important, so I wanted to create a visual marker that shows students that this is a place they could call home while they're learning."
Above is a photo of Kwantlen First Nation visual artist Brandon Gabriel next to the paddles he created.
The paddles also reflect the language and culture of the First Peoples of this region who have relied on the local rivers, lakes and seas for millennia. They were commissioned as part of KPU's commitment to building capacity for Indigenization across all five campuses, which is outlined in the university's xéʔelɬ Pathway to Systemic Transformation Framework.
"The paddles are important symbols of KPU's tireless effort to foster knowledge and understanding," says Dr. Alan Davis, President and Vice-Chancellor at KPU. "We're thrilled to collaborate with Brandon to honour the history and culture of the First Nations people within the communities we serve."
Gabriel's connection to the university spans over 40 years. He is credited with designing the centre image of the KPU Coat of Arms, artwork found on pillars at KPU's Langley campus and the artwork featured on campus signage. He also co-designed and painted a mural in the KPU Surrey library.
Following this week's convocation ceremonies, the paddles are expected to find a permanent home on exhibition at KPU.
