Yos Pole Unveiled By Malahat Nation

Shawnigan Lake, BC – Over the last few months, master carvers Moy Sutherland Jr. from Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and John Marston from Stz'uminus First Nation worked with Malahat Nation youth to create the Yos pole. This beautiful artwork is placed for all to enjoy along the Cowichan Valley Trail (part of the Great Trail) which travels through Malahat Nation’s forested lands on the west side of Malahat Mountain at the south end of Shawnigan Lake.

Representatives from the Malahat Nation, Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and School District 79, along with the master carvers gathered, in October to commemorate the completion of the Malahat section of the trail and the dedication of the Yos pole. The central figure of the pole, overlooking the trail and Shawnigan Creek, is the Thunderbird, standing aloft with salmon under each wing. On the far side of the pole the Sasquatch is featured prominently, gazing out into the forest.

Known as the Malahat Connector, this recently completed section of the trail links the Cowichan Valley with Langford and the communities of Greater Victoria. The trail is an all-weather gravel trail accessible year-round for hikers, cyclists and equestrians, providing a 20 km connection between the south end of Shawnigan Lake at Sooke Lake Road to the Humpback Reservoir in Langford.

Photo cutline: CVRD Chair Jon Lefebure, Malahat Councillors Matt Harry, George Harry and Vince Harry, master carver Moy Sutherland Jr., student Troy Harry, cultural drummers Wes Edwards and Jeff Edwards, Malahat Lands Director Shannon Ralfs and master carver John Marston celebrate the unveiling of the Yos pole.