École Salish Secondary unveils two new Indigenous art pieces

Katzie artist Rain Pierre sits with his mural at École Salish Secondary, one of the two final Indigenous art pieces commissioned for the school.

Two new pieces of Indigenous artwork are now on display at École Salish Secondary, unveiled today during a relieving ceremony at the school.

The artworks - an 8-by-20-foot mural by Katzie artist Rain Pierre and a 6-by-14-foot weaving by Musqueam artist Krista Point - are the last two pieces commissioned by the district for École Salish Secondary. In Coast Salish tradition, the term "relieving ceremony" refers to the relief of the art in its unveiling.

"There are so many wonderful pieces of Indigenous art here at École Salish Secondary and I am so proud we are able to showcase such amazing reflections of our community," said Laurie Larsen, chair of the Surrey Board of Education. "Art is so important in reflecting values, traditions and creating a sense of community. We are very grateful for the work these artists have shared and the learnings that come with them."

The ceremony featured traditional drumming by Katzie Coun. David Kenworthy and speeches by the artists as well as Lyn Daniels, director of instruction with the district's Aboriginal Learning department.

"To see the beauty and artistic talent that has been brought to this learning space is truly remarkable," said Daniels. "Our hope is that the artistic talent being celebrated here today will bring about some truth and reconciliation, and a strong connected relationship between Indigenous Peoples and this public school, and there is beauty in that."

Principal Sheila Hammond said representing Indigenous voices has always been an important part of École Salish's identity, from the welcome figures at the entrance to the name of the school.

"It really is two-pronged: to celebrate the artists and to help educate students on Indigenous culture," she said. "As a school, we want to honour the Coast Salish people, and having this artwork on display reminds us of the First Nations who came before us."