Stz’uminus carver John Marston has begun work on a project that he says will transform the entry lobby at Ladysmith Secondary School into a space that will revel in Coast Salish culture.

On the day that Marston was announced as one of three artists whose works will decorate new BC Ferries vessels (his will be the Salish Eagles), he talked about the year-long project that will include a 20- foot Coast Salish welcome figure in the school’s foyer.

Meanwhile, school principal Margaret Olsen said: “The Nutsumaat syaays (working together as one) is an exciting project.” Organizers, who have raised about half the $75,000 needed to complete the job, said: “We would like to bring Aboriginal education to the forefront of our school’s journey.

We would like to continue a conversation with our school community about truth… about reconciliation.”