The new Harry Smith Library Learning Commons opened April 2024; it is a brand new addition located on the second floor of the Fernwood side of the school, replacing the former third floor location on the Grant Street entrance.

Part of the rebuild involved incorporating art that celebrates learning on Lekwungen territory,  and highlights the theme of “Celebrating Diversity.”  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 represent that theme in the form of three large carved cedar doors.  The carvers include Carey Newman (Kwakwaka’wakw), Dylan Thomas (Coast Salish), and Margaret August (Coast Salish) — all of whom share connections to School District 61 or Vic High specifically and who have previously collaborated together on projects.

Collectively, these doors represent the three Island nations ancestrally, but they are also an enduring symbols of  school’s  recognition of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, on whose traditional territories we live, learn, and do our work.

Carvers: left door, Carey Newman (Kwakwaka’wakw); right door, Margaret August (Coast Salish)
Location: entrance of Learning Commons

Carver: Dylan Thomas (Coast Salish)
Location: entrance to Knowledge Keeping/Learning Room