Sea to Sky Community Services | Squamish, Canada 2021-2023
A TRANSFORMATION OF SPIRITS
An 18-month visual journey of a red cedar, transformed from log to Welcome Totem Pole, created by youth under the guidance of Squamish First Nation artist See Appl-tun (Art Harry).
One of the youth participants is outlining the design of the welcome totem pole. Squamish, March 15, 2022.
The story of the Welcome Totem Pole raised at Foundry Sea to Sky in Squamish is a visual narrative that follows the 18-month journey of a red cedar log, transformed into a Welcome Totem Pole. Commissioned by Sea to Sky Community Services, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) artist See-Appl-tun (Art Harry) invited youth from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Squamish to take part in the carving. Over the course of 10 weeks, See-Appl-tun shared his skills and stories, guiding many hands in shaping the cedar and passing on cultural knowledge. Since March 31, 2023, the totem pole has stood at the entrance of the newly built Foundry Sea to Sky. With wings spread wide, it welcomes youth aged 12–24 and their families to a range of free, confidential, and age-friendly mental health and substance-use services, along with social and recreational programs designed to meet their unique needs. The photo book tells the story of a community coming together to create a lasting symbol of belonging for its youth—a testament to shared effort, cultural exchange, and the power of art to unite. From the Log Blessing Ceremony in November 2021, till its finishing touches and resting place before installation in January 2023.
Field Notes
This project began in Squamish with an assignment for Sea to Sky Community Services Society (SSCS), documenting the first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Alice Lake on September 30, 2021—a day to honour Survivors of residential institutions and those who never returned home. It was there I met Squamish First Nation artist See Appl-tun (Art Harry), who spoke of his upcoming Welcome Totem Pole for the new Foundry Sea to Sky Youth Hub.
On November 27, 2021, I documented the blessing of the red cedar log that would become the totem pole. Inspired, I asked Art Harry if I could follow its transformation as a volunteer—a journey spanning 18 months from log blessing to finished pole.
From March to May 2022, I followed the 10-week carving program brought together Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, ages 12 to 24, each Tuesday in a small barn. Guided by Art Harry and supported by Youth Services staff, the youth learned traditional carving techniques, heard cultural stories, and carved the eight-foot totem pole.
After sharing my photographs with SSCS, I was invited to create a photo book for donors at the Foundry’s opening. Recording Art Harry’s reflections ensured the story remained his, and together, with editorial support, we paired my images with his words.
Though I could not attend the Foundry’s opening on March 31, 2023, I learned how much joy the photo book brought to donors, Art Harry’s family, and the youth participants. A particularly moving moment came when the Squamish Library requested the book for its Local History collection, inspired by Art Harry’s daughter, who recognized her father’s achievement deserved to be preserved—a testament to the enduring power of culture, collaboration, and shared history.
FOUNDRY SEA TO SKY empowers youth in Squamish by offering a single, welcoming hub where ages 12–24 can access integrated health, social, and recreational supports. Launched in 2023, the centre provides free, confidential services including mental-health and substance-use counselling, peer support, primary care, and social outreach—all under one roof.
At its heart is the Youth Hub, a safe, drop-in space with art supplies, games, snacks, and staffed by caring youth workers to foster connection and fun. Facilities also include clinical counselling rooms, a demonstration kitchen for shared meals and cooking skill development, group spaces for workshops and art therapy, and inclusive design features like laundry, showers, storage, and a garden.
Anchored by the Welcome Totem Pole carved from red cedar by Squamish Nation artist Art Harry alongside local youth, the centre symbolizes community, protection, and reconciliation. Located on the ground floor of the Spirit Creek affordable housing complex near transit and schools, Foundry Sea to Sky stands as a vibrant, accessible resource for youth wellbeing.
Drawings are laid out on the log.
See Appl-tun asks them to make a simple project to discover their own connection to the wood and tools.
To blow away the dust is to breathe spirit into the cedar.
A fresh, new present.