The traditional welcoming pole in the Indigenous Gathering Place (New Westminster campus) faces the Fraser River and was created by Musqueam artist Susan Point.
Photograph by Jennifer Kirkey. Used with permission.
Douglas College respectfully acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), scəw̓aθən (Tsawwassen) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples.
The Coquitlam Campus welcome sculpture titled “Salmon Woman Welcomes Salmon Home" was designed and carved by Coast Salish carver Gerry Sheena.
Gerry carved it on-site at Coquitlam campus and it stands by the Sol Garden by the campus main entrance at the corner of Pinetree Way and Town Centre Blvd. The Coast Salish peoples use poles carved with a welcoming figure – often making a gesturing motion – as markers to greet guests arriving in their territories.
“The woman symbolizes the education needed for one’s journey. She also symbolizes the Welcoming, of the students and the Salmon. She nurtures the young and prepares them for their long journey. As does the College. She is a symbol of strength and of hope for all living things.” – Gerry Sheena (Artist).