Unveiling of SDÁ,YES Welcome Signs

On May 7 the W̱SÁNEĆ Elders (SELW̱ÁN) and youth returned to their SDÁ,YES Homeland for an important cultural event- the unveiling of the 3-panel installation at the Pender community Hall.

The three panels illustrate the cultural roots of the W̱SÁNEĆ People in ṮEṮÁĆES — the Southern Gulf Islands — and speaks to some of the important truths that precede reconciliation.

The event also included recognition of the new SDÁ,YES Welcome sign at the T-junction.

Tsawout Hereditary Chief Eric Pelkey (W̱IĆKINEM) welcomed the large gathering a midday feast at the community hall catered by the ṮEṮÁĆES reconcili-action team and the SDÁ,YES Truth and Reconciliation Circle.

The unveiling which was attended by over 50 islanders, was preceded by a traditional blessing in SENĆOŦEN from Elder John Elliott (J,SIṈTEN) and followed by a cultural dance and song presentation by students and teachers from the ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ Tribal School. The Pender grade 3-4 students also participated in the program.

Tsawout Elder Belinda Claxton (SELILIYE) explained the importance of building respectful relationships between our communities. SELILIYE shared an important traditional story for the youth of the importance of respect for nature that nourishes us all.

The artist W̱SÁNEĆ Addie Elliott (STOLȻEȽOT) who created the images for the signs shared some of the inspiration that went into the creation of the panels.

This project was supported by grants from the Victoria Foundation,

the Real Estate Foundation of BC and the Island Trust Heritage Fund.

Members of the boards of the Pender Chamber of Commerce and the Community Hall, both of whom supported the project, were in attendance.

The project is one of a series of cultural installations on SDÁ,YES to illustrate the important Cultural history of the W̱SÁNEĆ People in their traditional unceded Homeland (ÁLEṈENEȻ).

Paul and Monica Petrie