Second welcome sign restoration underway at Saanichton Green Park!
Tsawout First Nation artist Bear Horne is restoring “The Raven” — the second “Welcome to Saanichton Village” sign, originally carved over a decade ago with his father, renowned artist Doug Lafortune.
Stop by Saanichton Green Park to see the work in progress!
July 21, 2025
Starting on Tuesday, July 22, stop by and say hello to Tsawout First Nation artist Bear Horne, who is carving in HEL,HILEȻ Park in Brentwood Bay. Bear is restoring five nine-foot-tall Saanichton Village welcome signs, which he originally worked on with his father, Doug Lafortune, more than a decade ago.
“It’s an honour to restore the ‘Welcome to Saanichton Village’ signs that my father originally designed and carved,” said Bear. “I’m proud to carry on his legacy and maintain the high standard he set through his work.”
Public carving will happen from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, starting July 22 and continuing until July 31 or until the welcome sign is restored. Everyone is welcome to stop by to say hello and watch the artist in action.
“Restoring the sign in the community at HEL,HILEȻ Park gives people a chance to witness the process, and it allows me to share my art, teachings, and culture while representing my community of Tsawout and the W̱SÁNEĆ people,” said Bear.
In the coming months, Bear plans to restore the other four welcome signs that stand on Mount Newton Cross Road, East Saanich Road and in Centennial Park.
In 2012, renowned artist Doug Lafortune was commissioned by the Saanichton Village Association to create the welcome signs, which were carved in part as a reflection on family and community. Each sign in the series showcases a different symbol, representing an important core value for local First Nations people—the heron, the eagle, the orca, the raven and the protector.
For Bear's art: instagram.com/bearhorne/
Tsawout interview with the artist: tsawout.ca/community-spotlight-bear-horne/