THE City of Delta is commissioning two Coast Salish Welcome Poles from Indigenous artists to be installed at Delta City Hall.

The City says the Poles will represent its commitment to relationship-building with Delta’s host nations—Tsawwassen First Nation and Musqueam Indian Band—and will serve the dual purpose of welcoming guests to the City, while bringing awareness to and honouring the land on which they stand.

Tsawwassen First Nation members Bryce Williams and Karl Morgan will collaborate to carve one of the two poles, with Musqueam Indian Band member Thomas Cannell creating the second.

“Haycxqa to Mayor George Harvie and all of Delta Council for this opportunity, and the people of Delta,” said Williams and Morgan. “As artists, we are glad to be part of this project and the relationship building that it represents. This house post will signify the positive relationship that is being built up between the City of Delta and Tsawwassen First Nation, and our shared history.”

Both Poles will feature designs that will represent the land in which Delta is situated on, and the cultural connection to its Host Nations.

“Thank you to the City of Delta staff for their thoughtful efforts to bring forward two upcoming Indigenous welcome artworks at City Hall, for which I am fortunate to have been chosen as one of the artists,” said Cannell. “Creating a sculpture for this city feels like sharing a conversation with the earth, the water, and the wind. I’m inspired by the unique stories that shape our homeland, by the stories each of us is part of, and by the natural beauty all around us. Through my work, I hope to celebrate what makes this place special and invite everyone to feel a part of it.”

The City says the Welcome Poles will serve as a powerful symbol of Delta’s commitment to reconciliation and will be featured prominently at the entrance to City Hall. The artists will design and create the poles over the next several months, with the finished structures set to be installed in mid-2026.

Delta Mayor George V. Harvie said: “The City of Delta is honoured to be working with artists from Tsawwassen First Nation and Musqueam Indian Band on this exciting project. Welcome Poles carry a special cultural significance, and to be able to install two such poles at City Hall is a clear symbol to everyone who enters of our commitment to reconciliation and our continued work towards building strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities. I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition and extend my thanks to the artists for their time and skill in crafting these pieces.”

“This project represents an important step in our shared journey toward understanding and respect. The welcome poles will not only honour the deep history of our people on this land, but also stand as a symbol of reconciliation and the growing relationship between Tsawwassen First Nation and the City of Delta. I raise my hands to Bryce and Karl for carrying forward our stories through their artistry,” said Chief Laura Cassidy, Tsawwassen First Nation.

“It will be exciting to see Cannell’s artwork come to life in the territory. It’s a meaningful way to honour our culture and strengthen our connection with the City of Delta—and to stand proudly alongside our Tsawwassen relatives,” said Chief Wayne Sparrow, Musqueam Indian Band.

The Coast Salish Welcome Pole Project was approved by Delta Council on September 23. The full council report is available here.