Esquimalt
Vancity helps a welcome figure come to life
About this story
- Organization
Esquimalt High School - Region
Esquimalt, BC - Area of impact
Aboriginal communities
- Type of investment
Grant - Download a
long version of this story
Vancity awarded Esquimalt High School a Community Project Grant of $7000. This grant was used to bring life to a Coast Saalish welcome figure for the school’s entrance. Traditional carving was done by Coast Salish carvers (Tsawout) Douglas La Fortune and Douglas La Fortune Jr., who taught the high school students about the culture, traditional skills and ceremonial practices of the Esquimalt Nation.
An unveiling ceremony for the piece took place in June 2012. Lorna Reid, a school-teacher of 35 years, headed the project on the school’s behalf. She wanted to see a visible presence of Aboriginal art and culture in the school, which serves a significant number of Esquimalt and Songhees students.