Part of the new library wing added to Vic High in 2024  involved incorporating art that celebrates learning on Lekwungen territory.”  After extensive consultation among artists around the region with Knowledge Keeper and Master Carver Yux’wey’lupton, (Butch Dick), a carving team was hired to created three large carved cedar doors, two at the entrance of the library and one at the entrance to the library classroom.  The carvers include Carey Newman (Kwakwaka’wakw/Salish), Dylan Thomas (Coast Salish – Lyackson Nation), and Margaret August (Coast Salish – Shíshálh Nation).

Collectively, these artists represent the three Island Nation in terms of ancestry, and all have close connections to School District 61 and/or Victoria High specifically. Carey Newman’s Dad Victoria taught art at the school for many years — and he is represented on Carey’s carved doors.  Carey has also been part of SD61’s  Indigenous ADHOC Committee.  Dylan and Margaret are both SD61 alumni, and Dylan’s dad Paul Thomas worked for SD61’s Indigenous Education Department for decades.  Having previously collaborated on projects, these artists were a natural fit as a team.

These master carvings are not only beautiful to look at, they are also deeply meaningful.    The doors are meant to represent the theme “Celebrate Diversity” and to symbolize Victoria High School’s recognition of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, on whose traditional territories we live, learn, and do our work.

Carvers: Carey Newman (Kwakwaka’wakw/Salish); Margaret August (Coast Salish – Shíshálh Nation)
Location: entrance of Learning Commons

Carver: Dylan Thomas (Coast Salish – Lyackson Nation)
Location: entrance to library classroom