Boardroom Table: Nod to W̱SÁNEĆ People's History, Culture, and Forward Outlook
W̱SÁNEĆ School Board approached Designer Kirk Van Ludwig to create a boardroom table that would pay homage to their history, culture, and forward outlook distinctly based on the values of the Saanich people.
ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School is located on the Saanich Peninsula near the small community of Brentwood Bay, fifteen kilometres north of Victoria, British Columbia. Nestled in a forest setting on Tsartlip Reserve, the school serves the Saanich People on four reserves and surrounding communities of Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tseycum and Tsawout.
The school’s name is derived from the name of the Saanich People’s sacred mountain, ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱. It is a spiritual place where the Saanich people found refuge after the great flood. Today it is a place that offers respite and wisdom. The school is a haven, a place for Saanich children to know their history and find a clear vision of their future.
For the table Van Ludwig chose Vancouver Island Alder as it is a species in abundance but often overlooked at a commercial value. The Alder tree has an important role in our forest, it acts as a protector to Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir trees. The tree has important nitrogen-fixing capabilities, its roots enable it to replenish nitrogen in the soil. Alder trees are often planted in rotation with Douglas Firs to reduce the incidence of parasitic laminated root rot in Douglas Fir forests.
*Thank you to Gabriel Ross for the Tom Dixon Puck cocktail glasses and Stelton Vacuum Jugs.
“Alder trees provide shelter for younger faster growing conifer trees growing underneath their protective canopy, and with a quick growth cycle – 50 years or so, it seems a fitting environment akin to elders looking after children”, says Van Ludwig.
The unique table features artwork from one of the elders from years by gone. The Autonomous Furniture team torched the CNC carving to further the story of life cycle in the forest. Along the seams of the table are engraved strips of 65% recycled paper composite material in matte black. This symbolizes progress and innovation.
The Autonomous Furniture team is honoured to have crafted this boardroom table for the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board. May the team have many inspiring collaborations around it long into the future!
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