Sep 26, 2018
Vancouver, BC – At a ceremony today, Langara College unveiled a locally carved Musqueam house post that sits in the northwest corner of the campus. The 14-foot welcome figure, carved of red cedar by Musqueam artist Brent Sparrow Jr., was carved for the College. It welcomes all visitors to the traditional unceded territory of the Musqueam People on which Langara resides.
The welcome figure, who is wrapped in a blanket, holds a spindle whorl. The whorl is a traditional tool used for making blankets and clothing, and represents the passage of knowledge to the next generation.
“The raising of this house post is a very special and unique event. It represents our deepening relationship with Musqueam and commits us to continue to work toward a brighter future in partnership,” said Richard Ouellet, Director, Indigenous Education and Services.
“For me, it’s another step in my connection to the school, to later return to Langara as Elder in Residence thirty years after being a student,” said Gail Sparrow, former Chief of the Musqueam First Nation. “The College reached out to us to learn the history of the land on which it sits, and its relationship with our people, the Musqueam, has flourished from there. I’m ecstatic about what’s evolved since.”
The house post honours the passing of Si?ém Henry Charles, who was a great friend to Langara, and led the ceremony on January 11, 2016 that granted the College its Musqueam name, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓.
“Henry was a great friend to Langara College, and helped build that relationship between the Musqueam and the College as part of our journey of reconciliation,” said Lane Trotter, President, Langara College. “The plaque at the base of the house post will acknowledge, in perpetuity, the contribution that Henry made to Langara College and our relationship with the Musqueam.”
View a video about the making of the house post.
About Langara College
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 22,000 students annually. With more than 1,900 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓, a name given to it by the Musqueam people on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located.
Learn more.
Mark Dawson
Manager, Public Affairs
Langara College
mdawson@langara.ca
604.323.5702
