Coast Salish Welcome Figure

Context

The Coast Salish welcome figure, hand-carved by Squamish artist Sinámkin, was unveiled on March 9th, 2017, during a traditional First Nations blessing ceremony. The blessing ceremony is an ancient tradition among the Squamish and was held to ensure that this historical event will be passed on to future generations.

Welcome figures are often grouped within the category of totem poles, but are distinct in form and function from the freestanding multiple-figure poles commonly associated with northern Northwest Coast People. The Coast Salish use welcome figures as markers to welcome people to their territories. They are often carved in a gesturing motion and faced in the direction of arriving guests. They may have arms outstretched in welcome or gratitude. They may also have a hand shading their eyes in a scouting manner, watching for arriving visitors.

The figure was carved with traditional regalia: A cedar hat, woven wool sash, and a cedar bark skirt. The significance of holding a paddle upward is a peace offering – welcoming everyone to the campus. Featured on the base are the Sea-to-Sky Guardians: Eagle, Bear, and Killer Whale. The figure honours and acknowledges the surrounding territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəyw̓əm (Musqueam), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations. These and many other First Nations continue to exercise their sovereignty and refuse conditions of disappearance despite various dispossessions, erasures, and displacements due to the colonization of these lands.

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