Veterans' monument unveiled

Community members gathered in West Kelowna today to witness the unveiling of the Westbank First Nation’s new Veterans Monument.

Photo: Contributed - Westbank First Nation

The large art piece depicts three people, and was constructed by Colville Confederate Tribe artist Smoker Marchand. He says it honours all Okanagan First Nation Veterans who have served and will serve in the Canadian Armed Forces.

“I wanted to show a strong Indian man. I wanted to show a strong Indian woman. And I wanted to show a soldier who could be any soldier ─ he could be Native, he could be any soldier ─ because I think it’s important to represent all our people,” explains Marchand.

“My uncle said that when they got into the trenches, they were a band of brothers. There was no color. There was no difference in who they were. They fought together, and that’s very important. I hope this piece honours you, honours everybody.”

The Veterans Monument is located at the WFN Health and Wellness Centre on Quail Lane, and was designed in consultation with the WFN Elders, who have long envisioned a symbol that represents local veterans who have fought since World War I.

The Westbank First Nation will be hosting a Remembrance Day ceremony at the monument on Nov. 10 at 10:30 a.m.