A Guardian totem pole carved by a local Indigenous artist has been raised in a traditional ceremony facilitated by K’ómoks First Nation Hereditary Chiefs.

A Guardian totem pole carved by a local Indigenous artist has been raised in a traditional ceremony facilitated by K’ómoks First Nation Hereditary Chiefs.

The Guardian pole has been installed next to the Courtenay Riverway near the scenic point east of the lagoon overlooking the K’ómoks Estuary.

Launched in 2014, the Guardian Pole Project has raised poles at Goose Spit in Comox, Salmon River in Sayward, Puntledge reserve lands, the K’ómoks First Nation cemetery, Hornby Island, Denman Island, and the Comox Valley Art Gallery.

Artist Karver Everson says the pole represents unity.

He explains, "This pole is a flat-back style, a common style known among the Coast Salish.

The top figure is a thunderbird, which is to welcome. Below that is a human figure holding its belly, full of food, and also of goodness of heart and mind.

Below that is the sun, and on the back is a double-headed sea-serpent.

These important crests, stories and narratives come together."

Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells says the installation is a collaborative partnership between the K’ómoks First Nation and the City of Courtenay in their ongoing commitment towards reconciliation.

A future phase of the Guardian Pole project will include interpretive signage as well as landscaping with traditional Indigenous food and medicine plants under the guidance of K’ómoks First Nation.