The Salmon Arm Tennis Club netted a new sign that has deep roots in the community.
At an open house on Saturday, April 27, the club officially debuted its new log sign with an indigenous blessing from Adam’s Lake Band Elder Lily Anthony.
The project first started a few years ago and became a collaborative effort between the club, indigenous community and Salmon Arm Storefront School.
“We needed a new sign and I thought it would be a good time, on our journey to truth and reconciliation for the tennis club, that we make sure that we have a connection to this indigenous land and to indigenous and Métis people to share their culture,” vice-president Marianne VanBuskirk explained at the ceremony. “As well… I thought it would be wonderful to have students involved.”
The log itself is a western red cedar donated by Interfor woodlands manager Erik Kok from the Adams Lake Division, carved by Métis artist John Sayers and local Storefront students. In addition to the club’s name, the sign also features freestanding salmon that, when viewed against the background of the blue building and courts, look like they’re swimming upstream.
“We believe that the salmon would agree with us that that’s a better use for nets,” Sayers said to laughter.
Also in attendance was Neskonlith Band Coun. Frances Narcisse and Adams Lake Band Coun. Joyce Kenoras ,who together blessed the log with sweet grass.
Though none of the Storefront students could attend the ceremony, teachers Robin Wiens and Geoff Porter represented the school and expressed their appreciation of collaborating with Sayers.
“It’s always a pleasure to have John as part of our school,” Porter said. “And aside from his amazing skills, our students, and us as staff, have learned so much from John, his stories and his knowledge.”
Read more: Salmon Arm council supports closing downtown road for 55 Games
Read more: Skwlāx band in Shuswap takes first step home in wildfire recovery