A totem pole and First Nations window art were unveiled in a ceremony this week at the new $48-million headquarters of North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
Cowichan Tribes Chief Cindy Daniels led the ceremony to raise artist Dylan Thomas’ totem and unveil the artwork from Stuart Pagaduan. The new headquarters building opened last June on Ford Road.
The Cowichan Tzinquaw Dancers, an inter-generational dance troupe, performed at the ceremony and blessed the totem.
Cowichan Tribes councillors were joined by North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas, Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples, RCMP officials and other guests to mark the occasion.
Thomas’ totem depicts a human that has encountered the Sxwuxwá’us (Thunderbird) and is acquiring its powers, according to an explanation of the design. As the human acquires the powers, he is also taking on some of the physical characteristics of the Thunderbird, such as his hook nose and a feathered shawl.
In the Thunderbird’s claws, wrapping around the human’s head, is the Si’艅lhqi (two-headed serpent).
In Coast Salish oral traditions, there are many stories about human beings acquiring the powers of supernatural beings such as the Thunderbird, a statement from the RCMP said.
Thomas is a Coast Salish artist and member of the Lyackson First Nation of Valdes Island. He also has Songhees, Squamish and Snuneymuxw heritage.
Pagaduan is a community advocate for Cowichan teachings and language and has spent most of his life “building bridges” between the Cowichan Tribes and the larger Cowichan Valley community, according to a statement.
Last month, Cowichan Tribes and North Cowichan announced a deal for the First Nation to acquire the former RCMP detachment property for $1.2 million.
Cowichan Tribes has plans to use the two-acre property for emergency services and public works.
A handover ceremony at 6060 Canada Ave. is planned for Friday at 1 p.m.
