Three impressive totem poles carved by Tony Paul and Dion Louie now stand next to the emergency entrance of Sechelt (shíshálh) Hospital.
The poles were installed over three days at the beginning of the month and will be celebrated with a public ceremony on July 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the hospital.
At that event the carvers, as well as Shane Jackson, the artist who created a prominent First Nation mural at the hospital, will be publicly recognized and asked to explain their works.
First Nation artwork was considered an important component of the hospital expansion by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
“When the planning work was being done for the expansion, we saw the totem poles and mural as an opportunity to recognize the joint work done with local First Nations people over the many decades since the hospital was first built on donated land,” said Viola Kaminski, media relations person with VCH.
“One of the totem poles also features a plaque honouring the local hospital auxiliary and foundation, reflecting their importance in our success as well.”
In addition to honouring partnerships at Sechelt (shíshálh) Hospital, the First Nations artwork throughout the facility is expected to help healing, as well.
“Research shows that the presence of art within a health-care environment can have a therapeutic effect on both the mental and physical health of people suffering from challenges,” Kaminski said.
“This beautiful work will hopefully inspire dozens of patients and their families towards improved health, and the hospital was recognized with a Use of Art Award from the International Academy for Design and Health.”
She noted the incorporation of First Nation art at Sechelt (shíshálh) Hospital will also help provide an “increased awareness of cultural safety” for First Nation patients and their families.
“Research also shows that culturally competent and culturally safe care makes a significant difference in the health of First Nations and Aboriginal peoples,” Kaminski said.
