City of Courtenay Annual Report 2022

Guardian Totem Pole A Guardian totem pole carved by local Indigenous artist Karver Everson was raised in July in a traditional ceremony facilitated by K’ómoks First Nation Hereditary Chiefs. The Guardian pole was installed in a prominent location next to the Courtenay Riverway near the scenic point east of the lagoon overlooking the K’ómoks Estuary, in the unceded territory of the K’ómoks First Nation. Master of Ceremony Chief Wedlidi Speck guided the pole unveiling with a spirit of inclusivity, humour, and cultural dedication. Launched in 2014, the Guardian Pole Project has raised poles at Goose Spit in Comox, Salmon River in Sayward, Puntledge reserve lands, the K’ómoks First Nation cemetery, Hornby Island, Denman Island, and the Comox Valley Art Gallery. The Guardian Pole installation at the Courtenay Riverway is a collaborative partnership between the K’ómoks First Nation and the City of Courtenay in their ongoing commitment towards reconciliation. A future phase of Guardian Pole Project will include interpretive signage as well as landscaping under the guidance of a K’ómoks First Nations Elder. Financial support for the project was provided by Heritage BC for the Province of British Columbia through the 150 Time Immemorial Grant Program.

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Photo supplied by K'omoks First Nation

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City of Courtenay | 2022 Annual Report