syiyaya Carving Reconciliation Project Update July 2020
In June of 2019, the syiyaya reconciliation Movement undertook the “Carving Tears into Dreams of Reconciliation “ Project. This project is designed to do three things: 1) celebrate the cultural vitality of shíshálh culture through the art form of cedar carving, 2) provide an opportunity for members of the public to participate in the carving process as they learn from a shíshálh Master Carver and 3) raise awareness and cultivate dialogue about the importance of reconciliation in the shíshálh swiya/Sunshine Coast (BC). The main component of the project is the public carving of a Reconciliation Totem Pole by shíshálh Master Carver ?antuni Tony Paul. The completed Reconciliation Pole will be raised on the site of the former St Augustine’s Indian Residential School as a symbol of the journey we are continuing on the path towards reconciliation.
To date we have had over 1,500 members of our community come to learn about the project, the story of the pole’s design and participate in the unique opportunity to help carve the pole under the watchful eye of ?antuni, Tony Paul.
The Reconciliation pole has recently been moved to a new location to make way for the building of the House of Clans. To ensure the safety of Tony during this time of COVID 19, we are no longer able to continue public carving or viewing of the pole. Upon the completion of the House of Clans, the Reconciliation Totem Pole will be raised in ceremony and celebration in a beautiful garden space. The Pole will be a symbol of our continuing journey towards reconciliation.
The syiyaya Reconciliation Movement would like to respectfully acknowledge the support of the shíshálh Nation Chief and Council, Tsain-ko Group of Companies – particularly Jason Jenkins, Jamel Paul and the team who organized the crane service and worked together to move the fencing and tent, Blair Rowland and the shíshálh Nation Public Works crew who assisted in the moving process, Lonnie of Lons’s Contacting and Crane Service, who safely and efficiently moved the pole, and Tony Paul who caringly oversaw the move. The move went smoothly due to great teamwork! We deeply appreciate everyone who assisted. We would also like to acknowledge the Sunshine Coast Community Forest and the United Church Healing Fund for their ongoing partnership in this project. ?ul nu msh chalap (we raise our hands in thanks to you all)!
Pole Design
Tony has developed a beautiful design for a 30 foot Reconciliation Totem Pole (with the gift of a double-headed eagle on top to make it even taller). According to his model and proposal, the base contains a carving of the original Residential School, built in 1903-1904 by shíshálh Nation members. Above this are two children, facing one another on their knees, with hands clasping rosaries in prayer, and tears rolling down their cheeks. These represent the first two children to attend St. Augustine’s Residential School and the suffering generations of shíshálh children experienced at that school. Surrounding these children are two Elders in Regalia, seeking to protect and comfort them. Above this are carvings of the crests of the four clans of shíshálh Nation: huham (frog) and k’aykw (eagle) from the tewankw People, mayuk (grizzly bear) from the ts’unay People, wewekw’-nach-em (wolf) from xenichen People, and stalashen (orca) from kalpalin People. Each clan animal is depicted with a parent and child, symbolizing the intergenerational healing that is now taking place and strength of shíshálh culture and lifeways. Above this is a ring of drummers, honouring the continuity of the language, arts and culture by holding up a Longhouse at the top of the pole. Perched atop the Longhouse is the double-headed eagle, the symbol of shíshálh Nation. Around the back of the pole there are hummingbirds and frogs all the way up, representing healing, and communication.
Totem Ceremony
syiyaya reconciliation 