20-ft-tall First Nations post installed at Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza
A new symbol of Indigenous presence and cultural continuity now stands in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim joined Tsleil-Waututh artist Zac George Sko-Kay-Lem and community leaders to unveil a 20-ft-tall (six-metre-tall) Coast Salish house post now installed at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn, the name of the public plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
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Commissioned through the City of Vancouver’s Public Art Program as an Artist-Initiated Project, Zac George Sko-Kay-Lem’s design of “Syewá:l” — the name of the house post installation, meaning “Ancestors” — was selected in 2019 following a two-stage jury process that included local artists, curators, and Indigenous community members.
“This incredible house post carved by Zac George Sko-Kay-Lem is a beautiful expression of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s deep connection to this place,” said Mayor Sim.
“As a City of Reconciliation, we are committed to ensuring that the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations see their cultures reflected and respected throughout Vancouver.”
“Syewá:l” Coast Salish house post at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza. (City of Vancouver)
Positioned near the northeast corner of the intersection of West Georgia Street and Cambie Street, next to the plaza’s Browns Socialhouse and Ventura Room restaurants, it is said the cedar post reflects the traditional use of the Robson Street corridor as a trail for hunting and food gathering.
The piece also honours his late grandfather, the historic figure of Chief Dan George — a Tsleil-Waututh leader, actor, poet, and advocate for Indigenous rights.
“Syewá:l” Coast Salish house post at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza. (City of Vancouver)
“Syewá:l” Coast Salish house post at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza. (City of Vancouver)
“When I learned there was an opportunity to place one of my carvings in the heart of Vancouver, I felt a deep sense of connection,” said said Zac George Sko-Kay-Lem.
“This land holds stories — my great grandfather spoke of a hunting trail that once ran through what is now downtown Vancouver. To see Coast Salish art re-emerge in these spaces not only nourishes us today, it honours and feeds our ancestors.”
Unlike totem poles of northern Indigenous cultures, Coast Salish house posts traditionally served both structural and ceremonial purposes, with carvings that tell stories of lineage, mythological beings, and community identity.
“Syewá:l” Coast Salish house post at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza. (City of Vancouver)
“Syewá:l” Coast Salish house post at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza. (City of Vancouver)
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