Park Board Approves Installation of a Squamish Nation Welcome Figure in Hadden Park

March 27, 2003 (No. 15) - At its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 24th the Park Board unanimously approved the installation of a Welcome Figure in Hadden Park, located at Ogden Avenue and Chestnut Street. The pole will be located on the lawn north of the Maritime Museum, towards the spit. The project is sponsored by the Maritime Museum and the Squamish Nation. Park Board Chair Heather Deal said, "This is a project that we enthusiastically support for its artistic, cultural and historical significance. We are pleased to support the Squamish Nation in their endeavour to showcase the importance of this site to their cultural history."

The twenty foot red cedar pole, carved by Squamish artist Darren Yelton, is a grandfather figure with raised arms representing strength and spirituality. The carving makes reference to the nearby site of the former Squamish Village of Snauq, important to the Coast Salish people. An interpretive sign, wrapped around the six foot base of the pole, will relate to a permanent exhibit in the museum. The exhibit was curated by a Squamish Nation member and traces the history of the Squamish nation and the significance of the former village.

The cost of the project is being borne by the Maritime Museum. Ledcor is sponsoring the installation.

For more information, please contact Joyce Courtney, Manager, Communications
at 604-257-8699.