Bear working on a pole while on residency at Camosen College.

A new pole takes shape in the carving shed at Bear Horne's parents' home. This private commission will be raised on Goat Island in the fall of 2025

In November 2025, Scott Sam led a prayer and ceremonial song to ground the raising of a private commission on Goat Island. Bear’s pole now stands as a Coast Salish landmark for all who sail into Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island.

At Keating Elementary, students witnessed Bear’s art and process. Through his artistry, he is educating a new generation about Coast Salish culture.

Bear describes the significance of his work at the blessing of pole representing four of five W̱SÁNEĆ Nations (November 2025). This collaborative project between W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, the City of Sidney, the VAA, and Amazon acknowledges the Peoples who have stewarded these traditional unceded lands since time immemorial.

Bear was commissioned to restore four welcome poles for the village of Saanichton, a project he originally worked on with his father, Douglas LaFortune. The restoration is a public process, with community members invited to observe and ask questions.