West Kelowna

Motorists using the new Bennett bridge can't miss them.

They're giant columns on both sides of the Campbell Road interchange with a giant coyote as the main symbol.

They are the new twin towers of artwork unveiled Monday by the Westbank Indian Band to signify the band's involvement in the bridge's construction.

They are also reminders of the band's history.

"This is very important to our past. Remains were found here that were thousands of years old," says WFN Chief, Robert Louie.

"Our culture is reflected on these lands. So this structure symbolizes that and is a reminder of the thousands of years of occupation."

The artwork encompasses a grizzly paw accompanied by a coyote called Senklip.

"Senklip is the head legend that all the other animals look to. There are numerous stories about Senklip that are meant to explain to our people of the importance of being related to the land and knowing what animals to protect," says Louie.

Senklip is also part of the WFN's official logo.

The two pieces of artwork, which weigh up to 5,000 pounds each, were made by American native Smoker Marchand.

The cost is estimated at between $50,000 and $60,000.

Interview with Chief Robert Louie (Kelly Hayes)

Larger photo of art