April 2012 update: Welcome Totem Ceremony – Saturday, April 14 at 2 pm!

The Saanichton Village Association (SVA) announces the unveiling of the first of five Welcome Totems that will designate the key entrances to Saanichton Village. Carved by renowned Coast Salish artist Doug LaFortune, these red and yellow cedar totems acknowledge the connection between Saanichton Village and local First Nations people.

The official ceremony to unveil the first Welcome Totem takes place Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the corner of East Saanich Road and Polo Park Crescent, north of the Wallace Drive intersection. Drummers from the Tsawout First Nations and local political dignitaries will be in attendance at this public event.

Doug LaFortune's previous works include the Healing Centre at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, the entrance to Uptown Mall, and the University of Victoria First Nations House. Assisted by his wife, Kathleen, and their son, Bear, this latest work incorporates carvings of the Pacific Salmon and Great Blue Heron. "The SVA is honoured to collaborate with Doug and his family to bring this beautiful Welcome Totem to Saanichton Village," says SVA Board member Jan Carroll.

The $3500 in funding for this project came from the District of Central Saanich Grant-in-Aid program, donations from the community and the SVA membership dues. The costs for the next three Welcome Totems are covered by generous financial support from two local businesses and one individual.

"We are creating a sense of pride in our community on a shoestring budget," says Jim Townley, SVA Board member and owner of Saanichton Village's Fresh Cup Roastery Café. "Essentially all this has been done very frugally thanks to dedicated volunteers and donated materials from local businesses and residents.

Check out the April issue of Seaside Times www.seasidetimes.ca for photos and article on the totem.