by Molly Walsh
Published in the Oly Arts Summer 2026 print edition, page 14
Olympia’s Isthmus Park is a gateway to downtown Olympia with views of both the State Capitol and Olympic Mountain Range on the horizon. Currently a place of recreation, the land and water around Isthmus Park carry many stories across the generations, and sits at the junction of historical, ecological and cultural significance. At the beginning of June, a new Welcome Figure carving by Squaxin Island Tribe artist and carver, Andrea Wilbur-Sigo, became a permanent installation at Isthmus Park. Named Həʔapus sqʷəbay, Mother of Restoration, Wilbur-Sigo’s carved figure connects themes of cultural heritage, local history and conservation into a towering 13-foot cedar wood carving. The Welcome Figure stands in a recently-renovated portion of Isthmus Park that borders 4th Avenue, and is complete with fresh landscaping.
At the earliest stages of this project, Wilbur-Sigo had been immersed in research related to Squaxin Island Tribe history. This included study of the Fish Wars, a series of protests throughout the 1960s and 1970s, which were led by local Native American tribes.
During this time, state fishing regulations were not honoring treaties with a number of indigenous tribes in the region, and denied them the right to fish in their traditional waterways. The Fish Wars culminated in the milestone “Boldt Decision” in 1974, which upheld treaties and granted tribes who were part of the treaties the right to half of the fish harvest in their traditional waterways and shared stewardship of state fisheries.
This regional history and Wilbur-Sigo’s familial ties to the area helped to inform the location of the Welcome Figure. Isthmus Park rests on the traditional lands of the Squaxin Island Tribe, and nearby waterways have ties to the Fish Wars. In the late 1960s, Native American activist and environmentalist Billy Frank Jr., participated in a “fish-in” protest in the waterways near the 5th Avenue Dam, and was apprehended by police.
The Welcome Figure also helps to mark a renewed future for the region, as the State of Washington, Squaxin Island Tribe and other community partners embark on the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, part of which features the removal of the 5th Avenue Dam and the recovery of key salmon habitat.
This Welcome Figure at Isthmus Park is part of a greater accord between the City of Olympia and Squaxin Island Tribe. Renewed in 2021, the five-year accord aims to build bonds between governments and cultures, including a commitment to bolstering public art.
In addition to the accord with the City of Olympia, the Squaxin Island Tribe recently purchased a large property on Plum Street in downtown Olympia that currently houses the Lee Creighton Justice Center. The Squaxin Island Tribe has future plans to transform the property into a hotel and event space. According to Wilbur-Sigo, the Welcome Figure will help to mark a new chapter in the partnership between the Squaxin Island Tribe and the City of Olympia.
Wilbur-Sigo brought two decades of experience in carving and public art commissions to the design and execution of the Welcome Figure. Həʔapus sqʷəbay, Mother of Restoration was crafted from Alaskan old-growth cedar wood. Wilbur-Sigo continues a familial custom to use wood that has naturally fallen or has been salvaged.
Using old-growth cedar is both traditional and functional. The tightly-packed rings of centuries-old cedar wood are necessary to help a carving have proper structure and longevity. Once a log is selected, the wood needs to be properly prepared, including peeling back the softer outer layers. In these initial stages, Wilbur-Sigo also reflects on the greater story that she wants to tell through the carving.
Wilbur-Sigo hopes the Welcome Figure can help educate community members about the history of the region, Squaxin Island Tribe heritage and the importance of habitat restoration for salmon, kelp and other wildlife.
A Welcome Figure traditionally has a human form that helps to greet passersby. For Həʔapus sqʷəbay, Mother of Restoration, Wilbur-Sigo envisioned a grand, royal figure adorned with jewelry and regalia. The Welcome Figure also ties together Wilbur-Sigo’s personal family heritage and Squaxin Island Tribe heritage. Wilbur-Sigo was particularly inspired by her and her family’s extensive diving experience, incorporating seascapes and undersea life into her carving.
Həʔapus sqʷəbay, Mother of Restoration holds a paddle, with a baby on her back in a basket. In homage to salmon and kelp restoration projects taking place in local waterways, Wilbur-Sigo has added salmon and kelp to the bottom portion of the carving.
Over the years, Wilbur-Sigo’s carvings have been installed across Western Washington, including Seattle. Through the Welcome Figure, Wilbur-Sigo is looking forward to having a piece displayed on her and her family’s homeland. She also imagines the potential education, awareness and meaning that the Welcome Figure will provide to community members for generations to come.
A dedication ceremony for Həʔapus sqʷəbay, Mother of Restoration took place on the afternoon of June 4. Community members, members of the Squaxin Island Tribal Council and members of the Olympia City Council gathered at Isthmus Park in celebration of the new Welcome Figure.
Photos by Molly Walsh.
WHAT:
Həʔapus sqʷəbay, Mother of Restoration wood carving
WHERE:
Isthmus Park, downtown Olympia