News Detail
A Symbol of Gratitude and Reconciliation
Visitors to the Shawnigan campus will be welcomed by a beautiful new totem pole donated by graduating student Hannah F. (Kiiyuukh) and her family, which was unveiled in a moving ceremony on Monday, June 16, which included a traditional blanketing ceremony for Hannah.
“This pole stands as a marker, a beacon, and a statement of our school’s commitment to walking alongside Indigenous peoples,” said Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator Mr. Clay Panga as he opened the ceremony. “It reflects our support for community and reconciliation, not just in words, but in action.”
The carving was donated by Hannah and her family as a gift to the School, a symbol of gratitude for the support and love the School gave to her during a time of great loss. It was created through a mentorship program funded by the First Peoples' Cultural Council in which Hannah learned under her cousin Hjalmer Wenstob (Tleḥpik).
The three figures depicted are qʷayac̓iik (wolf), a hułḥsii (dancer) wearing a muwač (deer) headdress, and t̓iick̓in (thunderbird). The qʷayac̓iik with the human hand represents both Hannah’s late father and the relationships between humans and wolves in Nuu-chah-nulth culture. The hułḥsii represents Hannah’s relationship to Shawnigan Lake School. The t̓iick̓in is from the family’s chief’s curtain, as well as a link to traditional Nuu-chah-nulth whaling history. The pole is carved from old growth red cedar, from Hannah and Hjalmer’s traditional territory, the ḥaḥuułi of Tla-o-qui-aht.
The two local First Nations were invited to give their blessing to the placement of the pole, and had representatives at the ceremony. Elder Ray Peter Jr. (Sit-a-luk), also known as Brother Rick, represented Cowichan Tribes, while the Malahat Nation was represented by Chief Administrative Officer Josh Handysides.
Hannah’s mother Iris (Hakuumalth) recalled how Hannah’s father was apprehensive about her attending Shawnigan because of its distance from Tofino – about a four-hour drive – but was fully in favour of it after touring the campus.
“After our first visit, every single one of them smiled at him and me,” Iris said. “That’s how we knew she would be safe here. He said, ‘If they can make me feel welcome, then I know my daughter belongs here.’”
Shawnigan became Hannah’s extended family during her three years at the School.
“I know my daughter got the best education at this school – the education she deserves,” Iris said.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
