Two large sculpture figures carved from a red cedar log will be permanently installed next to Rose Park across from the Squamish Adventure Centre.
The Sea to Sky Forestry Centre Society said the project, called a Salmon Welcome Figures Project, would be completed over coming months.
The sculptures, male and female figures, are a result of collaboration between the society and well-known local Squamish Nation community carver ‘See-appl-tun’ Art Harry.
The society plans to install the Welcome Figures near the Corridor Trail at the Loggers Lane site.
The site is leased from the district by the Forestry Centre Society to build an interpretive facility related to forests, products from the forests and local history.
This area is of special significance to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people, as it was the location of important fisheries, ancient village sites, canoe travel along the Squamish River East Branch, and start of the “Grease Trail” connecting to the territory of the Stl’atl’imx people.
“Our Forestry Centre Society has been active in community exhibits on forest management, community heritage and local forest history since 2007,” says society President Donna Wall.
“Planning interpretive trails and future programming relating to the history and natural history of the Upper Mamquam Blind Channel area has also been a big focus. This project takes us to a new level in our collaborations and education program goals.”
Councillor Eric Andersen, a volunteer with the society, elaborates on the project: “The Upper Mamquam Blind Channel was formerly the Squamish River’s East Branch. Blockages due to railway and road building and Mamquam River course changes during past flood events have substantially reduced the river flow through this waterway over time. The Adventure Centre, our Forestry Centre site and Rose Park are on the former Skwawmish Island Indian Reserve No.21, which was established in 1876, acquired by the PGE Railway company in 1914, and later sold off to the District and other interests.”
Art Harry, the sculptor and local artist, said it would be great if the project could inspire people to do more to restore the waters and their fish habitat.
Art Harry’s own father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather all worked in log-handling in the waterways surrounding Downtown Squamish.
“In the old days during the Spring eulachon fishery, all of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people would gather here,” he says. “It would be great if our Welcome Figures project could inspire people to do more to restore the waters and their fish habitat.”
The large cedar log would be supplied by Sqomosh Forestry LP, a key sponsor of the carving project.
“We really appreciate the keen support, especially from SQOMISH FORESTRY, WOODFIBRE LNG and SQUAMISH DAYS LOGGERS SPORTS ASSOCIATION. The enthusiasm and helpful guidance of the District’s Arts & Culture Department has also been superb,” says Wall.
The carving workspace will be located at the Al McIntosh Loggers Sports Grounds.
Jacqulin McNicol, the president of the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Association, says they are pleased to be able to offer space to community projects like these.
Marnie Lett says
Can’t wait to see these in place! How tall are they?