This week, Grade 3 students had the pleasure of welcoming Indigenous Educational Storyteller, Alysha Collie, from 3 Crows Productions for an engaging and hands-on workshop on Coast Salish art.
With warmth and great knowledge, Alysha introduced students to the distinct visual language of Coast Salish design, encouraging both curiosity and creativity.
Students learned that Coast Salish art is built on a unique set of shapes that appear consistently across different pieces—shapes like circles, ovals, crescents, trigons and four-point stars. These elements can be stretched, curved and arranged in expressive ways to form meaningful designs. A particular focus of the workshop was the “Salish Eye,” a ripple-like shape symbolizing connection across time—linking the past, present and future. Students were fascinated to learn that this symbolic eye often appears within animal figures in Coast Salish art, representing depth, continuity and a sense of place.
Inspired by what they had learned, students had the opportunity to create their own artworks using these traditional shapes. Their interpretations are now on display on the second floor of the Junior School.
We invite you to take a moment to view these thoughtful and creative pieces. They not only reflect the students’ artistic efforts but also their growing understanding of the rich traditions of the Coast Salish people.
