Fort Langley is about to get a new look, as the local community association has unveiled its new street banner to be hung on lamp posts sometime in the coming weeks.
Following a competitive process with more than 20 local artists submitting their work, Langley artist Jungmin Ko’s work was selected by the Fort Langley Community Association to decorate the streets, said chairperson Andy Schildhorn.
Ko’s banner design features symbols of the environment through trees, a river, salmon, and cranberries, and historic landmarks like the Fort watchtower and railroad station.
“Jungmin’s art captures the heart of the community,” Schildhorn commented.
The new banners also have cultural significance of the Kwantlen First Nation by including welcome messages in both Halq’eméylem (the Upriver dialect) and hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (the Downriver dialect) of the broader language Halkomelem.
On the poles, the Upriver dialect Éy kw’es émì and Downriver dialect ʔəm̓ i ce:p kwətxwiləm are featured as well to “encourage reflection on the connections between the land, its people, and their languages,” Schildhorn explained.
“We are honored to work with Jungmin Ko and Fern Gabriel on this significant community initiative,” he said. “These banners not only beautify our streets but also serve as a reminder of our rich heritage, diverse community, and the natural splendor that surrounds us.”
Translation and audio for the messages will be available at fortlangleycommunity.com.
The previous banners have been displayed in Fort Langley for about seven years, Schildhorn estimated, and the association is now looking for ideas on what to do with them.
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