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A new welcome pole is situated at the main entrance to Wellington Secondary School, and was unveiled in front of the whole school on Tuesday, Sept. 29. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
By Alex Rawnsley
tangible representation

‘They belong here:’ new welcome pole unveiled at Wellington Secondary

Sep 29, 2026 | 12:56 PM

NANAIMO — A new welcome pole at a local high school is being viewed as a concrete message for staff and students: everyone is welcome here.

Carved by Snuneymuxw First Nation artist Noel Brown, the yellow and red cedar artwork was officially unveiled on Tuesday, Sept. 29, during a whole-school ceremony outside the main entrance on Departure Bay Rd.

Wellington Secondary principal Michelle Smith told the crowd of students, staff, and invited guests the pole carries deep significance and responsibility.

“We also recognize the honour and responsibility of caring for it and carrying forward the teachings it represents. This pole will stand here long after today’s ceremony. It will greet students each morning and let every student know they are welcome and they belong here at Wellington Secondary.”

The pole was carved by Snuneymuxw's Noel Brown, and features both red and yellow cedar.
The pole was carved by Snuneymuxw’s Noel Brown, and features both red and yellow cedar. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)
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Installed at the school in recent weeks, students and staff were on hand for the formal unveiling ceremony.

The event included singers and dancers from Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh Community School.

Smith said the timing of the pole project is significant, finishing just before Wednesday’s annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“Truth and reconciliation is not something we recognize in a single day, it is a commitment we carry with us every day as educators, students, leaders, and members of this community.”

School District 68 board chair Leanne Lee said the pole is meant to represent the fact all students, staff, and visitors are welcome at the school, serving as a tangible representation of the District’s goals to “move beyond words and commit to meaningful action.”

“Schools have not always been welcoming places for Indigenous students, families, and communities. Too many learners experience exclusion, harm, and lack of belonging. We’ve committed to taking meaningful steps towards truth and reconciliation. We’ve asked all District staff to make personal and professional commitments to this work because reconciliation is not a destination, it is an ongoing responsibility.”

Dancers and singers from Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh Community School performed at the ceremony Tuesday.
Dancers and singers from Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh Community School performed at the ceremony Tuesday. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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by Alex Rawnsley

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