The sign that has welcomed visitors to the main School Board office for the last 22 years has been refurbished by its original creator, Indigenous master carver, artist, and knowledge keeper Peter George, and his apprentice and daughter Hailey George.
The artist explained that the ceder used to create the sign was obtained from the McBride area. The animals depicted on the sign represent the clans that existed in the area before Europeans made contact with locals; wolf and bear, beaver and grouse, frog, and caribou. The eagle is a universal symbol of peace and friendship used by nearly every Indigenous group in North America. The salmon symbolizes peace and prosperity. The handprints represent the artist and his two daughters, Hailey and Stephanie.
The unveiling event was hosted by Pamela Spooner, Assistant Superintendent of Indigenous Education, and several visitors and dignitaries were present. Speeches were given by Lheidli T'enneh Elder Bibiane Francis, Chief Dolleen Logan, and Counselor Tasheena Seymour. Drummers from Nusdeh Yoh Elementary School performed two songs, and the artist explained the history of the piece and the images represented in it. Clayton Gauthier performed a smudging ceremony for the new sign and the drummers from Nusdeh Yoh performed the drumbeat of Mother Earth while he blessed it. Superintendent Jameel Aziz gave closing remarks, and Dr. Kevin Lamoureux thanked organizers and the Lheidli T'enneh for the opportunity to be present at the event.
For more information on the sign and the unveiling event please visit the following local news articles;
Indigenous carver Peter George refurbishes School District 57 sign with apprentice daughter
School District 57 sign unveiled after eight months of restoration work