The public is invited to join Artist/Carver Andrea Wilbur-Sigo, the Squaxin Island Tribe and City of Olympia in the dedication of the Welcome Figure Həʔapus sqʷəbay (Ha-push Squay-bay), Mother of Restoration, in Olympia on June 4.
A Welcome Figure is a traditional, monumental wood carving created by Indigenous Coast Salish peoples of the Pacific Northwest, typically featuring a human figure with arms outstretched to greet visitors. Həʔapus sqʷəbay, is carved from cedar by Squaxin Tribal artist/carver Andrea Wilbur Sigo, with images of salmon and kelp in the skirt, acknowledging restoration efforts for both. She carries a baby on her back, and wears a hat woven from cedar bark, worn as regalia and for protection from the elements.
The City of Olympia renewed its five-year accord with the Squaxin Island Tribe in 2021. The agreement includes commitment to long term actions including “Create more opportunities for public art, education and community service that will promote a healthy exchange of cultures.” The Olympia City Council and the Squaxin Island Tribal Council conduct biannual meetings in part to “maintain a shared vision” for this five-year accord, in preparation for reaffirming that accord in 2026, the city said in a news release.
One of those meetings produced a shared vision for a Welcome Figure in downtown Olympia.
“Such figures are an important part of coast Salish community, and a Welcome Figure in downtown Olympia is an important recognition that Olympia is situated on the ancestral lands of the Squaxin people,” the City of Olympia said in a news release.
The dedication celebration will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at the east end of the Olympia/Yashiro Friendship Bridge near Isthmus Park.
Limited reserved parking at the location is available for community members with mobility challenges and disabilities. Call 360-709-2678 to reserve a space.
General parking is in the Isthmus Park parking lot, and is free for the event.
Once that lot is full, visitors will need to find street parking.
Limited seating is available for community elders.
