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Three massive First Nations welcome posts unveiled in Vancouver (Photos)

More than 1,000 school kids, district staff and First Nations representatives convened at the Vancouver School Board office Friday for the unveiling of three massive welcome posts carved by members of the Squamish and Musqueam First Nations.

More than 1,000 school kids, district staff and First Nations representatives convened at the Vancouver School Board office Friday for the unveiling of three massive welcome posts carved by members of the Squamish and Musqueam First Nations.

 The unveiling of three massive welcome posts carved by members of the Squamish and Musqueam First Nations. Photo: Dan ToulgoetThe unveiling of three massive welcome posts carved by members of the Squamish and Musqueam First Nations. Photo: Dan Toulgoet

Work on the three posts began in February and wrapped up earlier this month.

The centrepiece is a 44-foot reconciliation post carved by Squamish nation members James Harry and his father Xwalacktun, while a 22-foot female welcome figure was carved by brother-sister duo Chrystal and Chris Sparrow of the Musqueam Indian band.

The third post, also 22 feet in height, is a welcome post carved by Musqueam member William Dan.

Friday’s events coincided with National Indigenous Peoples Day and featured thousands of school-aged kids taking in the event.

A story about the project’s launch was published in early April and can be found here.

See more photos from the unveiling below:

Students, school district staff and First Nations representatives convened at the Vancouver School B The unveiling of three massive welcome posts carved by members of the Squamish and Musqueam First Nations. Photo: Dan Toulgoet

Students, school district staff and First Nations representatives convened at the Vancouver School B The unveiling of three massive welcome posts carved by members of the Squamish and Musqueam First Nations. Photo: Dan Toulgoet

Students, school district staff and First Nations representatives convened at the Vancouver School B The unveiling of three massive welcome posts carved by members of the Squamish and Musqueam First Nations. Photo: Dan Toulgoet

Members of the Coastal Wolf Pack, a traditional Musqueam dance group, drummed the carvers in for the Members of the Coastal Wolf Pack, a traditional Musqueam dance group, drummed the carvers in for the ceremony. Photo: Dan Toulgoet

Students, school district staff and First Nations representatives convened at the Vancouver School B The unveiling of three massive welcome posts carved by members of the Squamish and Musqueam First Nations. Photo: Dan Toulgoet

Carvers Xwalacktun and his son James Harry, Chris and Chrystal Sparrow, and William Dan listen to sp Carvers Xwalacktun and his son James Harry, Chris and Chrystal Sparrow, and William Dan listen to speakers during a ceremony at the Vancouver School Board, June 21, National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Photo: Dan Toulgoet

Students, school district staff and First Nations representatives convened at the Vancouver School B The unveiling of three massive welcome posts carved by members of the Squamish and Musqueam First Nations. Photo: Dan Toulgoet

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