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North Cowichan/Duncan
2025-01-16 08:32 PST
The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP is celebrating their relationship with Cowichan Tribes by showcasing locally curated Indigenous artwork at the new RCMP Detachment.
On January 15, 2025, Cowichan Tribes Chief Cindy Daniels officiated a ceremony held to honour and unveil the Totem Pole and Lobby Window Art. The Cowichan Tzinquaw Dancers, an intergenerational dance troupe, performed at the ceremony and blessed the Totem Pole. Also in attendance for this ceremony were Cowichan Tribes Counsellors, North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas, North Cowichan CAO Ted Swabey, Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples, Duncan CAO Peter De Verteuil, other honourable guests and RCMP dignitaries.
Artist and carver, Dylan Thomas, designed and created a totem pole which was raised and blessed at the ceremony. On this pole Dylan has depicted a human that has encountered the Sxwuxwá’us (The Thunderbird) and is acquiring the Thunderbird’s powers. As the human acquires these powers, he is also taking on some of the physical characteristics of the Thunderbird, such as his hook nose and a feathered shawl. In the Thunderbirds claws, wrapping around the human’s head, is the Si’ńlhqi (Two-headed Serpent). In Coast Salish Oral traditions, there are many stories about human beings acquiring the powers of supernatural beings such as the Thunderbird.
Artist Stuart Pagaduan designed the Window Art for the Lobby. Stuart is a local Cowichan Tribes member and active community advocate for Cowichan teachings and language. Stuart has spent most of his life living as an inspirational Coast Salish Artist while using his creative flow to build bridges between the Cowichan People and the larger Cowichan Valley community.
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Email: alex.berube@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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