Thanks for your praise in the editorial page of the Oak Bay News for the volunteer efforts of the Community Association of Oak Bay. As you probably know by now, we weren’t responsible for organizing the recent O’Briens’ concert (credit is due to the Community Initiatives Committee and Oak Bay Parks Department). We do organize many other events during the year including our annual McNeil Bay beach clean-up (Sept. 20 at 9 a.m.), the upcoming all-candidates meeting during the fall municipal election (date to be announced), and activities for youngsters and the young at heart during national Culture Days (this year Sept. 26 to 28).
We started our organization almost a decade ago with the creation of the Oak Bay Community Green Map. Copies are still available at municipal hall, various recreation centres and with membership in the Community Association of Oak Bay ($10/year and includes a free map caob.ca).
We’re still growing and going strong.
We hope to launch our biggest project yet during Culture Days. It is the creation of Sno wyutth, a 20-foot totem in front of the new Oak Bay High designed and carved by Songhees master carver Butch Dick, whose poles can be seen in Centennial Square, at the University of Victoria and most impressively at the new Songhees Wellness Centre on Admirals Road.
Sno wyuth, means “spreading good energy” and features figures of Mother Nature, blue herons, otters, coho salmon, camas, eagle and a frog which symbolizes “new beginnings.”
This project brings reconciliation and inclusion to Oak Bay with a stunning and important piece of public art. We are reaching out to the community to support this important cultural landmark.
Thanks again for your editorial praise,
Joseph Blake, board member
Community Association of Oak Bay