A Carved Sign to Watch Over CONNECT Saanich Peninsula

A carved sign by indigenous artist Bear Horne (right) was installed and blessed at CONNECT Saanich Peninsula. Also pictured are Wsanec drummer Scott Sam (left) and CONNECT CEO Patti Flaherty.

The entrance to CONNECT Saanich Peninsula is now adorned with a carved eagle watching over all who enter and standing as a symbol of healing, protection and the future.

“CONNECT nestled in Wsanec Nation,” reads the sign. SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) elder Mavis Underwood is credited with coming up with the text, which feels like the right message for CONNECT, which is a guest on SȾÁUTW̱ land in Wsanec Nation.

Members of Wsanec Nation, coaches, leaders and some of the people we support at CONNECT Saanich, neighbours, partners from Island Health and media gathered on Sept. 17 to commemorate and bless the carving.

Local Indigenous artist Bear Horne created the sign and his parents and daughter, along with other relatives attended the ceremony to support him.

Concept sketch.

Bear Horne working on the carving in his workshop.

The eagle symbolized the future, healing and protection.

"We are so blessed to be on SȾÁUTW̱ Nation land. We feel privileged to have gotten to know the elders, and now Bear, who has blessed us with a beautiful carving for our property that will be a beacon to welcome people to this location," said Sarah Bragg, Leader of Culture, People and Services at CONNECT Saanich Peninsula.