A ceremony to bless a new totem pole at the new RCMP detachment building was held on Wednesday.
Cowichan Tribes Chief Cindy Daniels officiated as the totem pole and window art was unveiled and the Cowichan Tzinquaw Dancers, an intergenerational dance troupe, performed at the ceremony and blessed the Totem Pole.
Artist and carver, Dylan Thomas, designed and created a totem pole which was raised.
Dylan’s work depicts a human that has encountered the Sxwuxwá’us (The Thunderbird) and is acquiring the Thunderbird’s powers, and takes on some of the physical characteristics of the Thunderbird, such as his hook nose and a feathered shawl. In the Thunderbird’s claws, wrapping around the human’s head, is the Si’nlhqi (Two-headed Serpent). In Coast Salish Oral traditions, there are many stories about human beings acquiring the powers of supernatural beings such as the Thunderbird.
Artist Stuart Pagaduan designed the window art for the detachment lobby. He is an artist and active community advocate for Cowichan teachings and language.
He is an inspirational Coast Salish Artist and works to create stronger ties between the Cowichan People and the larger Cowichan Valley community.
Also at the ceremony were Cowichan Tribes Counsellors, North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas, North Cowichan CAO Ted Swabey, Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples, Duncan CAO Peter De Verteuil, other guests and RCMP dignitaries.
