Government unveils new art at Fort

June 03, 2009

Aldergrove Star

Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament for Langley and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment, unveiled a new public art installation at Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada. The project was commissioned in 2008 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of British Columbia.

“This new art installation adds another dimension to telling the important stories of Fort Langley National Historic Site and reflects the importance women and children played in the early economy of British Columbia,” said Warawa.

“This artwork will be an added attraction for the many tourists who visit the Fort and will serve as a lasting legacy for future generations.”

The $200,000 project tells the story of the Stó:lō first salmon ceremony and the role of women and children in the salmon trade at Fort Langley National Historic Site. The artwork, an innovative design of four “Coast Salish House Boards” made from cut steel and a carved post and beam structure was created on site over the past winter by First Nations carver Drew Atkins. In addition, pathways and other landscape features were developed to connect the Visitor Centre with the artwork installation and unify the open area where the project was installed.

“Fort Langley is proudly known as the birthplace of British Columbia and this project honours that legacy and ensures its preservation for future generations,” said Minister Jim Prentice.

“This artwork pays tribute to various iconic individuals and elements that played an important part of the history of British Columbia and the story of Fort Langley.”

Established in 1827, Fort Langley was part of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s network of trading posts. During the Fraser River Gold Rush, the post provisioned thousands of miners on their way to the goldfields. In response to the large number of Americans flooding into region, the British Government established the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858.

Today, Fort Langley evokes a sense of history with one original building and several reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters, historic objects and special events.

Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada is part of Canada’s system of national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas, which is recognized as one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected areas in the world.