Sechelt Hospital

Exterior:
Standing outside the entrance to the Sechelt Hospital Emergency Room are three poles carved by Ɂantuni Tony Paul and Deon Louie.

The totem pole on the left, carved by Deon Louie, features an eagle (representing strength, leadership, and prestige), wolf (intelligence, leadership, and strong sense of family), raven (creation, knowledge, and humour), and beaver (creativity and determination).

The totem pole on the right was carved by Ɂantuni Tony Paul and is titled The Healing Pole. The figure at the top is a watchman, providing protection for the hospital and the surrounding area. There is also an eagle, a hummingbird, and a human. There is a sun on the chest of the eagle, radiating healing and peace. The hummingbird is the healer, fulfilling the creator’s promise that those who suffer injury or loss will be restored. The human figure represents the staff and volunteers in the hospital who take care of those in their time of need. The blanket that is wrapped around the figure signifies that they are being honoured for the work they are doing.

The pole in the centre was also carved by Ɂantuni Tony Paul and is called The Welcome Pole. It features a figure with open arms (a traditional greeting) facing people as they come into the hospital.

Interior:
Just inside the main entrance of the hospital is a wooden mural created by local artist Shain Jackson, with the help of students, using only recycled materials. The large sun represents regeneration, growth, and new beginnings. The canoe piece, Pulling Together, symbolizes the ideals of cooperation and building unity. The four canoeists shown represent unity in diversity.