This photo from around 1920 shows W’axayus, a Squamish Welcome Figure.
The Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), unlike many Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples, traditionally did not carve totem poles. Historically, their large-scale carvings included house and mortuary posts.
Today, however, there are many artists carving monumental crests and story poles. Some are called welcome poles or figures.
Skwxwú7mesh elders note that a welcome figure, called W’axayus, once stood on the Skwxwú7mesh reserve at Pukwayusem, near Brackendale (at the junction of the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers). It welcomed the annual salmon run.
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Currently, the Archives of North Vancouver at 3203 Institute Rd. in Lynn Valley is open by appointment only. Contact: [email protected]
