Oppenheimer Park House Posts

Oppenheimer Park is a DTES hub for everything from soccer to family picnics. It is also widely used by the neighbourhood’s First Nations residents. The House Post carving project mentors youth from the neighbourhood in traditional First Nations carving. An Elder acts as a role model for youth. Community members can watch the pole carving and find opportunities to learn about the First Nations’ presence in the neighbourhood. The posts will reflect Coast Salish traditions as well as the diversity of aboriginal groups in the area. They will be mounted on cement foundations in a traditional manner which focuses on the ceremonial moving of the post by community members.

The posts were celebrated during the 2010 Heart of the City Festival with blessings, a ceremonial moving of the poles, music, dancing, a feast and the Canada Council award presentation to Christine Germano (Artistic Director of Constant Arts Society) for her work with First Nations youth.

[top]