“Wa ayás kwis es i chap tl'iḵ (With peace, we welcome you all)" is the title of a newly installed piece of art adorning streetlight banners throughout West Vancouver.
The district has featured the artwork to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) in Canada. The banners have been installed along the Spirit Trail in Ambleside Park, waterfront parks and Centennial Seawalk.
The design is by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) artist Sinámkin (Jody Broomfield). Other work of his has been commissioned by the Royal Canadian Mint, Four Host First Nations and Vancouver Olympic Committee, BC Lions Society for Children With Disabilities, Park Royal, Vancouver Convention Centre, Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, West Vancouver Community Centre, and Vancouver City Hall.
In an update from West Van Mayor Mary-Ann Booth, she welcomed people to join her at Ambleside Park from 3:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
“There will be opportunities for everyone of all ages to participate in activities such as Indigenous art workshops, traditional storytelling, wool weaving and wood carving,” she said. “And to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
At Ambleside, canoe families will paddle through the traditional waters in West Vancouver Police Department’s canoe, Ch’ich’iyuy, and the Integrated First Nation Unit canoe, Sema7maka, while sharing stories of the area.
Watch this video from the Squamish Nation for National Indigenous Peoples Day:
