Courtenay Elementary School celebrated
the beginning of their aboriginal carving project this Tuesday. The school had a special ceremony led by Andy
Everson to bless the logs that will be turned into the centerpieces of the
school’s garden gate project. All 185
students squeezed into the school’s outside covered area to watch as Andy
Everson conducted the ceremonial blessing of the logs. This included singing, drumming, and brushing
the logs with cedar boughs. The ceremony
ended with the lead carver on the project, Karver Everson, joining his uncle in
spreading eagle down feathers on the logs, which represent peace.
Andy Everson, Alexzander, Josalyn, Jade, and Mrs. Jungwirth bless the log |
The entire project has been
funded by a grant from Artstarts in Schools, a non-profit organization that
aims to bring professional artists into BC schools. The logs were generously donated by Western
Forest Products. Grade 5 and 6 teacher Heidi Jungwirth, who is leading the
project and originally put in the grant application, described the event as
emotional and moving; “Having all the
kids watching intently as Andy’s chants echoed through the outdoor space made
all the work we’ve been doing very worthwhile”.
Already the students have all worked with John Powell to learn about
K’omoks art styles and techniques and with school district staff to learn the
story of Queneesh, and the totem that goes with it. Between now and June the younger students
will be selecting and painting an animal, which will be displayed as part of
the new gates for the school community garden.
The older students will also be more directly involved in painting and
finishing the poles being carved.
The school is planning to complete and unveil the entire project on
June 22nd as part of the community’s celebration of National
Aboriginal Day. They are confident that
this project will be an ongoing symbol of what is possible when the community
comes together to support children.
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