Mosaic Employees Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21 marked National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on the summer solstice. Mosaic proudly celebrates this day and the rich cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. This year, Mosaic team members were part of two important events on Vancouver Island to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.
A ceremonial dance performed at the K’omoks First Nation community event marking National Indigenous Peoples Day. Photo credit: Salish Eye Productions
The company supported and participated in K'omoks First Nation's annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. The event allowed everyone in attendance to honour all Indigenous communities, share in cultural knowledge and diversity, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the strength, resilience, and diversity of K’omoks First Nation and Indigenous Peoples.
In Nanaimo, Mosaic was invited to participate in a special ceremony to unveil the new welcome pole at the fully renovated Fire Station 1.
The pole was completed over three years by Snuneymuxw First Nation master carver Noel Brown and his team. The design includes an eagle, a bear, a box of treasures, and a wolf, which in order represent courage, strength, cherished items, and protection. The pole stands as a “guard and protector,” shared Snuneymuxw Elder Jerry Brown at the ceremony.
Mosaic was a key partner with Noel on the 10-metre red cedar pole, sourcing the log that met the detailed specifications for a high-quality carving log to make the project a reality. It's happened before with the carving he completed last year – the 15-metre-tall Welcome Pole in Spirit Square at Maffeo Sutton Park/Sway'a'Lana on the Nanaimo waterfront. Mosaic also has proudly procured a pair of beautifully carved speaker podiums in its Nanaimo office crafted by Brown.
The company recognizes and respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples and is committed to continuously strengthening partnerships with First Nations and Indigenous business partners and communities. We have formalized memorandums of understanding with 15 Coastal First Nations. Mosaic was the first forestry company in BC to achieve Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.