Brackendale Elementary held a school-wide commemorative event in honour of a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) artist who painted a mural at the school.
On Tuesday, Oct. 24, students, teachers, Nation members and Elders, and other invited guests attended a ceremony at the school’s gym in honour of Siobhan Joseph. With the help from a grant from Squamish Arts and the District of Squamish, Joseph painted a mural on the exterior of the building.
Siobhan described the mural to the crowd of several hundred people as using Coast Salish designs and depicting the four seasons with local wildlife and natural elements.
“I wanted to make sure I added the importance of the area,” she said. “In the middle, I put a welcome figure.”
The event called forth witnesses for the work being done in addition to drumming and singing. The group of people were encouraged to share what they learned at the ceremony and why it was important.
“What she brings to the world through visual storytelling … is really beautiful to see,” said Leigh Joseph, one of the witnesses called on to speak and cousin to Siobhan.
School District 48 Supt. Chris Nicholson, called it an honour to stand and speak before the Nation Elders and to have the mural on the one of the schools in the district.
“My heart is full,” he said. “My heart is glad.”
Siobhan gifted several blankets to guests in the crowd and held onto a blanket wrapped around her as a reminder of the ceremony. Vivian Joseph, who helped Siobhan paint the mural but was unable to attend the ceremony, would also be gifted a blanket.
The mural can be viewed from the outside of the elementary school to the left of the front entrance near the parking lot on Government Road.
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