Internationally acclaimed First Nations artist David Seven Deers began installation of his Gateway project in Midway last Monday.
Erected in the Entwined Tree Park adjacent to the high school, the installation comprises three rectangular pieces of andesite, each weighing more than three tons, arranged in the shape of a gateway. The two vertical columns were raised on Monday, and a crossbeam is slated to be placed atop the columns in the coming days.
Accompanying the gateway will be a raven carving, also made from andesite, but highly polished to make it black.
There will be a blessing ceremony on Thursday, June 11, followed by various First Nations stories, entertainment and a traditional feast.
Seven Deers designed the project as a permanent talking circle with a raven, that is aboriginal in its theme, its teaching and the learning style. His hope is that schools from the entire Boundary will use the park as an outdoor learning destination.
The task of placing the columns was a daunting one, taking a heavy-duty crane and several volunteers to guide them into place. Shims were then employed to level the pieces and allow them to stand unsupported. Watch for another report on this impressive project in next week’s issue.