Tom LaFortune has been carving wood for 46 years, but he is adamantly opposed to having the title of B次元官网网址渕asterB次元官网网址� bestowed upon him.

B次元官网网址淧eople call me a master carver but I havenB次元官网网址檛 mastered anything. I learn something with every carving I do,B次元官网网址� he said.

His latest piece now stands at the entrance to Fort Rodd HillB次元官网网址檚 Garry Oak Learning Meadow and was unveiled at a ceremony on Saturday morning.

The piece, which LaFortune said took him about two and a half months to construct, signifies the historical importance of this treed area for First Nations groups.

B次元官网网址淲e used to hunt in the Garry oak meadows for deer and (harvest) camus and other plants. It was a gathering place,B次元官网网址� he said of traditional activities on the land.

LaFortune, a member of Tsawout First Nation, said the male and the female depicted on the carving represent the people and that the maleB次元官网网址檚 mouth is open because speaking is the traditional role for men.

Having a piece commissioned for Fort Rodd Hill, which lies on the traditional territory of Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, is also special for him, he added.

B次元官网网址淢y grandchildren can come and see this and their kids can come and see it.B次元官网网址�

The unveiling ceremony was highlighted by a performance from the Lekwungen traditional dancers and singers.

joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com

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