Artwork “Syewá:l” by Zachary George Sko-Kay-Lem, 2025 in the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
A house post located in the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre by artist Zachary George Sko-Kay-Lem

Zac George Sko-Kay-Lem house post honoring Tseil-Waututh Chief Dan George now stands tall in downtown Vancouver

June 21 2025 –

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, Mayor Ken Sim along with City of Vancouver Councillors and staff, joined artist Zac George Sko-Kay-Lem, his family and community partners to witness the blessing of a six-metre tall səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) house post now installed at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn, the plaza outside Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver.  

Carved by Tsleil-Waututh artist Zac George Sko-Kay-Lem in his home studio in Sts’ailes, the house post called Syewá:l (Ancestors) overlooks the intersection of Georgia and Cambie Streets. The house post reflects the local Nations’ rich history of land use in the Robson Street corridor for hunting and the harvesting of food. It also commemorates Zac’s late grandfather, Chief Dan George (1899-1981), a celebrated actor, poet, champion of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, Chief of Tsleil-Waututh Nation from 1951-1963 and an Officer of the Order of Canada, appointed in 1971.

"Advancing Indigenous visibility in public spaces is an important action in the City of Vancouver’s UNDRIP Action Plan,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “This incredible house post carved by Zac George Sko-kay-lem is a beautiful expression of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s deep connection to this place. As a City of Reconciliation, we are committed to ensuring that the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations see their cultures reflected and respected throughout Vancouver."

“When I learned there was an opportunity to place one of my carvings in the heart of Vancouver, I felt a deep sense of connection,” said Zac George Sko-Kay-Lem. “This land holds stories—my great grandfather spoke of a hunting trail that once ran through what is now downtown Vancouver. To see Coast Salish art re-emerge in these spaces not only nourishes us today, it honours and feeds our ancestors. I know my grandfather, Chief Dan George, would be proud to see our traditions standing tall once again.” 

Artist Initiated Project

The work was commissioned by the City of Vancouver’s Public Art Program as an artist-initiated project in 2019 and brought to fruition in partnership with Vancouver Civic Theatres. Artist initiated commissions allow artists to propose their own public artworks, rather than responding to a predefined site, theme or medium. Projects were selected in a two-stage process judged by a panel of artists, curators, and members of the local Nations and Urban Indigenous community.

Unlike totem poles found in northern Indigenous cultures, Coast Salish peoples traditionally carved house posts—large wooden posts used to support beams in longhouses or mark ceremonial spaces. These posts served both structural and cultural purposes. The carvings on house posts depict mythical beings, spirit figures, family crests, and ancestral stories, acting as powerful expressions of identity, heritage, and spiritual significance for the Nation to which they belong.

For more information about the house post, including a video of the carving process, go to vancouver.ca/ZacGeorge.

National Indigenous Peoples Day - Carnegie Community Centre Block Party Celebration

In addition to seeing the new house post, the public is invited to attend the National Indigenous Peoples Day Block Party Celebration, run by Carnegie Community Centre , at the intersection of Main and Hastings Streets. The block party will celebrate cultural sharing, performances and an opportunity to connect with community. The event runs from 12 pm to 6 pm on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) and is free for the public to join.