On National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2025), a house post carved by səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) artist Zac George Sko-Kay-Lem, commissioned by the City of Vancouver, was installed in ceremony at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn, the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street, in downtown Vancouver.
Carved in his home studio in Sts’ailes over the course of six years, Zac’s house post is titled syewá:l, meaning “Ancestors.” He shares of the importance of the design: “When I learned there was an opportunity to place one of my carvings in the heart of Vancouver, I felt a deep sense of connection. This land holds stories — my great grandfather spoke of a hunting trail that once ran through what is now downtown Vancouver. To see Coast Salish art re-emerge in these spaces not only nourishes us today, it honours and feeds our Ancestors.”
The artwork honours Zac’s grandfather, the late Chief Dan George, who is portrayed toward the base of the post, just above a traditional Coast Salish weaving pattern. The figure in the middle pays tribute to the matriarchs in Zac’s ancestry. At the top of the post sits a carved takaya (wolf) face, symbolizing the Creator having transformed the Wolf into the first Tsleil-Wautt on the shores of səlilwət (Burrard Inlet). The house post show that our Ancestors were and are still here.
Speakers at the ceremony included Justin George, Sue George, City of Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, and Michelle Bryant-Gravelle, Indigenous Relations Manager with the City of Vancouver.
Watch this video by the City of Vancouver to learn more:
