Inmates at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre in Saanich are hoping to raise a 41-foot totem pole carved from a 340-year-old cedar log this fall.

Brothers Tom and Aubrey LaFortune of the area害羞草研究所檚 Tsawout First Nation are teaching participants how to design and carve a totem pole alongside the jail害羞草研究所檚 Indigenous cultural liaison, Max Henry. The project began last summer to provide inmates with a greater sense of community and connection with the land they害羞草研究所檙e on 害羞草研究所� whether Indigenous or not.

It害羞草研究所檚 helping inmates build practical skills in drawing and woodworking and learn cultural teachings that will prepare them for life on the outside. It害羞草研究所檚 the first project of its kind for a maximum-security institution and it害羞草研究所檚 putting the corrections back in correctional, according to Tom LaFortune.

害羞草研究所淥ne of the rules around the pole is that everyone害羞草研究所檚 on a first-name basis,害羞草研究所� he said, adding some corrections officers have also joined in the carving.

Etched into the totem are images of the eagle, the owl, the wolf, the frog, the beaver 害羞草研究所� all important symbols of strength, healing, community and family 害羞草研究所� and four paddles representing the Island害羞草研究所檚 Salish, Nu-Chah-Nulth, Kwakwaka害羞草研究所檞akw and non-First Nation peoples.

Dion Sam-Joseph, also from the Tsawout First Nation, joined the team of carvers about three months ago when he saw some fellow inmates carving the cedar log from his cell window. While he hasn害羞草研究所檛 been on the project too long, he害羞草研究所檚 been able to connect with his Indigenous identity, and more importantly, feel human.

害羞草研究所淓verything about this is a positive experience. This project害羞草研究所檚 been an eye opener to all the positives that can come out of (it) 害羞草研究所� whether it害羞草研究所檚 a short stay or a long stay in here 害羞草研究所� it just brings you back to your roots,害羞草研究所� he said.

害羞草研究所淭o say the least, it gets us out of that concrete jungle, or cell, for a couple of hours out in the sun. There害羞草研究所檚 sharing, there害羞草研究所檚 teaching, there害羞草研究所檚 learning and a lot of camaraderie.害羞草研究所�

ALSO READ:

austin.westphal@saanichnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .