Inmates at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre in Saanich are hoping to raise a 41-foot totem pole carved from a 340-year-old cedar log this fall.
Brothers Tom and Aubrey LaFortune of the area91裸聊视频檚 Tsawout First Nation are teaching participants how to design and carve a totem pole alongside the jail91裸聊视频檚 Indigenous cultural liaison, Max Henry. The project began last summer to provide inmates with a greater sense of community and connection with the land they91裸聊视频檙e on 91裸聊视频� whether Indigenous or not.
It91裸聊视频檚 helping inmates build practical skills in drawing and woodworking and learn cultural teachings that will prepare them for life on the outside. It91裸聊视频檚 the first project of its kind for a maximum-security institution and it91裸聊视频檚 putting the corrections back in correctional, according to Tom LaFortune.
91裸聊视频淥ne of the rules around the pole is that everyone91裸聊视频檚 on a first-name basis,91裸聊视频� he said, adding some corrections officers have also joined in the carving.
Etched into the totem are images of the eagle, the owl, the wolf, the frog, the beaver 91裸聊视频� all important symbols of strength, healing, community and family 91裸聊视频� and four paddles representing the Island91裸聊视频檚 Salish, Nu-Chah-Nulth, Kwakwaka91裸聊视频檞akw and non-First Nation peoples.
Dion Sam-Joseph, also from the Tsawout First Nation, joined the team of carvers about three months ago when he saw some fellow inmates carving the cedar log from his cell window. While he hasn91裸聊视频檛 been on the project too long, he91裸聊视频檚 been able to connect with his Indigenous identity, and more importantly, feel human.
91裸聊视频淓verything about this is a positive experience. This project91裸聊视频檚 been an eye opener to all the positives that can come out of (it) 91裸聊视频� whether it91裸聊视频檚 a short stay or a long stay in here 91裸聊视频� it just brings you back to your roots,91裸聊视频� he said.
91裸聊视频淭o say the least, it gets us out of that concrete jungle, or cell, for a couple of hours out in the sun. There91裸聊视频檚 sharing, there91裸聊视频檚 teaching, there91裸聊视频檚 learning and a lot of camaraderie.91裸聊视频�
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