Celebrating the Welcome Pole on Nex̱wlélex̱wem (Bowen Island)

Celebrating the Welcome Pole, Nex̱wlélex̱wem / Bowen Island

Celebrating the Welcome Pole on Nex̱wlélex̱wem (Bowen Island)

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A welcome pole is carved and raised at the community school on Nex̱wlélex̱wem/Bowen Island with the help of students, staff and community members. Master carver Simon James (Winadzi) leads the carving and Squamish Nation member Xwalacktun conducts the ceremony.

First Nations knife carving
Simon carving
Simon discussing the design of the pole characters with students
The welcome pole nearing completion
Brushing the pole with cedar boughs during the ceremony
Students discussing the pole after the ceremony