WELCOME POSTS AT EARL MARRIOTT
In September of 2005, Mr. David Howard, Principal of Earl Marriott Secondary, and Michael MacKay-Dunn, Aboriginal Teacher Advocate began what would later become the CEN’ALIEN Welcome Posts. At that time, through the EMS Football program, Michael Mackay-Dunn met Bernard Charles, the late Hereditary Chief of the Semiahmoo People. So it was through this connection that the Earl Marriott/Semiahmoo relationship developed. Bernard attended games, banquets and became a fixture at EMS. Bernard was always present at the annual Pow Wows, counseling students upon request. Whether it was conducting Healing Circles or speaking to classes, Bernard devoted himself to our community.
During this time, it became apparent, through an ongoing discussion with Bernard, that a lack of a First Nation’s presence existed at the school. There were no carvings, artwork or other visible forms of the Semiahmoo First Nation. Bernard and Michael approached David Howard with Bernard’s suggestion to have a First Nation’s presence, which later became the present day CEN’ALIEN Welcome Posts.
Bernard Charles outlined to Mr. Howard the location, the process and how they would be carved and recommended potential carvers. However, the idea did not come to fruition until March of 2013. Sadly, Bernard passed away in August 2008 and his Funeral Celebration was held at our school with the Lieutenant Governor, Stephen Point, presiding over the ceremony. It was a wonderful honour for Earl Marriott to host the service, and one that will never be forgotten.
In 2012, Gloria Raphael attended her first Pow Wow and, again, in 2013. Gloria Raphael was pivotal in recognizing the need to acknowledge our historic connection and link to the traditional territory of the Semiahmoo People. It was at this point that Bernard’s vision was presented.
In the Spring of 2013 – after many meetings with stakeholders, the Semiahmoo First Nation’s councillor, Joanne Charles, Master Carver, Leonard Wells, Michael Mackay-Dunn, Gloria Raphael, and Peter Johnston agreed on a plan to have the carvings completed at Earl Marriott and the “mariner” theme for the carvings of CEN’ALIEN, the Reef Net Captain, was set.
Today, the male and female figures of the CEN’ALIEN Welcome Posts stand as a testament to the ongoing and strong ties between Earl Marriott and the Semiahmoo First Nation. The videos attempt to capture, to a small extent, the richness of this endeavor and its lasting contribution to the culture of not only Earl Marriott but to Surrey Schools and the community as well.
During this time, it became apparent, through an ongoing discussion with Bernard, that a lack of a First Nation’s presence existed at the school. There were no carvings, artwork or other visible forms of the Semiahmoo First Nation. Bernard and Michael approached David Howard with Bernard’s suggestion to have a First Nation’s presence, which later became the present day CEN’ALIEN Welcome Posts.
Bernard Charles outlined to Mr. Howard the location, the process and how they would be carved and recommended potential carvers. However, the idea did not come to fruition until March of 2013. Sadly, Bernard passed away in August 2008 and his Funeral Celebration was held at our school with the Lieutenant Governor, Stephen Point, presiding over the ceremony. It was a wonderful honour for Earl Marriott to host the service, and one that will never be forgotten.
In 2012, Gloria Raphael attended her first Pow Wow and, again, in 2013. Gloria Raphael was pivotal in recognizing the need to acknowledge our historic connection and link to the traditional territory of the Semiahmoo People. It was at this point that Bernard’s vision was presented.
In the Spring of 2013 – after many meetings with stakeholders, the Semiahmoo First Nation’s councillor, Joanne Charles, Master Carver, Leonard Wells, Michael Mackay-Dunn, Gloria Raphael, and Peter Johnston agreed on a plan to have the carvings completed at Earl Marriott and the “mariner” theme for the carvings of CEN’ALIEN, the Reef Net Captain, was set.
Today, the male and female figures of the CEN’ALIEN Welcome Posts stand as a testament to the ongoing and strong ties between Earl Marriott and the Semiahmoo First Nation. The videos attempt to capture, to a small extent, the richness of this endeavor and its lasting contribution to the culture of not only Earl Marriott but to Surrey Schools and the community as well.