Sherman AutWell Pallen Shares His Art and Story with Edgehill Elementary
On September 29th, Edgehill Elementary had the honour of welcoming local artist and carver Sherman AutWell Pallen, a member of the Homalco First Nation, to the school’s Truth and Reconciliation assembly.
Sherman, who moved to Tla’amin territory in 1976 after marrying into the community, is the artist and carver behind Edgehill’s beautiful new Spindle Whorl, a significant and meaningful addition to the school following its recent expansion.
A Spindle Whorl is designed to spin, revealing different elements of the design as it turns. For the past three months, Sherman has poured his time, creativity, and a lot of himself into the piece, which he named ƛoqowiy, meaning “Summer.”
Sherman shared that the design came to him naturally, and he knew it was meant for Edgehill. This Coast Salish design incorporates ovoids, trigons, and circular shapes, along with two eagles, two salmon, and a sun at the centre. The piece is made from more than 13 individual pieces of wood, carefully brought together.
For Sherman, carving began as a hobby before becoming a craft he took more seriously with the guidance and encouragement of his mentor, Gordon Dick. Today, his work has become a way of sharing stories, culture, and connection through art.
Now a lasting part of Edgehill, ƛoqowiy brings Indigenous art, culture, and storytelling into the school community, creating a meaningful connection to the Tla’amin Nation community that will remain for generations to come.
In the photos above:
- Sherman AutWell Pallen stands with his artwork, ƛoqowiy.
- Sherman stands with Jamie Burt, Principal at Edgehill Elementary and District Principal of Indigenous Education, Jessica Johnson.
- Sherman stands alongside his artwork and wife, Cyndi Chenna Pallen.
- Cyndi Chenna Pallen and Donna Palnik, Tla’amin Nation community members, perform a cedar brushing on ƛoqowiy as a symbol of protection and positive energy.