COAST SALISH PoLE PROJECT

Exploring the long history of this community

We are fortunate to live, work, play and learn on the traditional territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən people, whose history spans thousands of years, before the settlement of Fort Victoria and use by the Hudson’s Bay Company for farming and housing. 

As our students, staff and community prepare to mark the 75th anniversary of the opening of the original James Bay school on this site in 1953, we are launching an exciting new project to explore and recognize the much longer history of these lands on which our building and neighbourhood stands.

Community-driven legacy project

The James Bay PAC has launched a fundraising campaign with a vision of creating and raising a three-dimensional, six-foot tall high detail carved cedar pole on the school grounds.

The project is built through community ideas and collaboration. This partnership, with Coast Salish artist Dylan Thomas, James Bay Community School, School District 61's Indigenous Education Department and the James Bay Community Centre is more than art.

Uniquely, it will feature an experiential learning component, building off the curriculum, and seeks to involve students throughout the project's progression, to ensure an impactful, personal and lasting legacy for our children.

Working together to make this project a reality

Moving this project forward can only be realized through support from community partners who share our project vision and its anticipated impact. 

We are currently 20% of the way toward our fundraising goal! 

The PAC wishes to thank the James Bay Neighbourhood Association for its financial commitment to this project and for generous donations from school families and community members.

Help us reach our goal

We welcome contributions from residents, businesses and other organizations in our community. With your help, we can make this project a reality in time for our school's 75th year. 

Click the button below for a list of ways to donate, including how you can obtain a tax receipt for your contribution, or email hello@jamesbaypac.com for more information.