Above: A rough cut red cedar is delivered to Ladysmith Secondary on Wednesday, April 19. Photo by Tricia Thomas. 

Students at Ladysmith Secondary School will continue an education about Coast Salish culture with a newly delivered welcoming pole.
The red cedar being called the Nutsumaat Syaays Pole arrived at the school on the east coast of Vancouver Island on Wednesday.
It’s rough-cut right now, but Stz’uminus carver John Marston will shape details into the wood including a welcoming eagle and house posts, with cut-offs used for building looms and weaving.
It will be Marston’s third cultural project with the school as a way of including Indigenous teachings in the curriculum.
LSS teacher and project champion Bill Taylor said it’s part of an effort to bridge communities.
“Our doors are always open to First Nation teachings,” he said.
“We are stronger if we work together.”
Local businesses donated their time and equipment to transport the large pole.
The Salish Sea Sentinel will follow the progress of the carving with more photos in our June issue.