The City of Delta is proud to unveil two Coast Salish Welcome Poles at Delta City Hall, created by artists from Tsawwassen First Nation and Musqueam Indian Band.
Following a traditional protocol ceremony on September 9, the poles now welcome guests to Delta City Hall, honouring the land and bringing awareness to the traditions and contributions of Delta’s Host Nations. The poles feature designs by artists Bryce Williams and Karl Morgan (Tsawwassen First Nation) and Thomas Cannell (Musqueam Indian Band), inspired by the history and territory. One pole features a male figure and the other a female figure, with designs representing the shared history of these lands, the water, and wildlife that connect us.
“To me this project is not just a Welcome Figure house post, it’s about building relationships and acknowledging our past and future together. My hands go up to everyone involved in the project. Haycxqa and hands up to the City of Delta for putting this Welcome Post project together. Also, it’s an honour to do this work and with our friends and relatives from Musqueam on this project. Lastly, it’s also a great honour to represent my Nation, Tsawwassen through the arts and share our culture and history with our neighbours and friends. “ – Bryce Williams
“I'm honoured to be part of this meaningful initiative by the City of Delta. Presenting an intergenerational Female Welcome Figure that symbolizes my family's history and the collective care of this land by all Musqueam peoples— together with our Tsawwassen Nation relatives, past, present, and future—means a lot to me, my family, and friends. I look forward to sharing this artwork with the community for many years, and I hope it fosters happiness, friendship and understanding across cultures now and in the future. I thank everyone who made this possible, with my hands raised in gratitude.” – Thomas Cannell
The placement of these poles in the front courtyard of City Hall not only reflects the traditional placement to welcome guests, but also recognizes the importance of Delta’s relationship with its Host Nations and its ongoing commitment to meaningful reconciliation.
“It is an honour to have these Welcome Poles installed at City Hall, recognizing the significance of Coast Salish culture and traditions in shaping our region—both its past and its future. We are grateful to the artists for their collaboration and the guidance they have provided the City, designing and creating these beautiful pieces which will serve as a powerful symbol of friendship, collaboration, and reconciliation in Delta for years to come.” – Mayor George V. Harvie
"These Welcome Poles are a powerful reflection of the shared history of these lands and the relationships that continue to grow between Tsawwassen First Nation and the City of Delta. In recent years, we have worked together in meaningful ways to advance mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration. Seeing Coast Salish art and representation at the entrance to City Hall is an important acknowledgement that these are our ancestral territories and that our stories, cultures, and histories remain deeply connected to this place. We are proud to be part of this project and grateful for the opportunity to share our teachings and values with all who visit." – Chief Laura Cassidy, Tsawwassen First Nation
“Musqueam has a deep and enduring connection to these lands and waters, and it is important that our history, culture and presence are recognized throughout our traditional territory. These Welcome Poles are a meaningful reflection of that connection and will help ensure that everyone who visits Delta City Hall is reminded of the peoples who have cared for these lands since time immemorial. We are proud to see the work of Musqueam artist Thomas Cannell represented here, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with the City of Delta.” – Chief Wayne Sparrow, Musqueam Indian Band
For more information on this news release, please contact media@delta.ca.