Spirit Square Panels
Spirit Square Panels
Inspiration for the first panel comes from the richness of Kwantlen history and traditions thousands of years before contact in the time of transformation. Kwantlen translates to “tireless runner”. Oral tradition tells of a great Chief whose daughter gives birth to wolf puppies that transform themselves to human form and become descendants of the first Kwantlen families. It has been said that the wolf blood gave the Kwantlen messengers stamina whose task was to run and deliver messages throughout and beyond the vast Kwantlen territory. Today, the Kwantlen government and the Kwantlen community members continue in their efforts to work tirelessly in all that they do for their families and Nation.
The Colonial History is represented by a Beaver, an integral part of the fur trade. The fur trade brought the Hudson’s Bay Company fur trade fort and the signing of the proclamation in 1858 to Fort Langley. The Beaver is also nature’s engineer and builder, symbolically building the foundation from which the colony grew.
The Post Colonial period is represented by a Salmon. The Salmon Industry is the original industry of the Fraser Valley and has always been the economic base that helped First Nations, and other communities along the Fraser River, thrive. It is also a reminder to us all that if we do not honour and respect the river and the environment, we will lose our precious, dwindling resources.
Township of Langley
Est. 1873
Dedicated to the Kwantlen people; Past, Present and Future.
Design and Carving by Drew Atkins and XWA-lack-tun (2008)
Photo of the plaques: http://imgur.com/fPGHZIl
Attribution: Jennie Eggleston (http://www.instagram.com/jeggle)