Indigenous art at Adanac Park Lodge
Creating safer spaces is a critical part of the work we do to support Indigenous clients, patients and families to feel comfortable, seen and valued. It also supports our Indigenous Cultural Safety Pillar - our commitment to reconciliation and learning, and providing the best care informed by the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples.
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Sunrise and Sunset
By Chief Kwakwee Baker, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw
Medium: 2 Canvas (40x60)
Location: Adanac Park Lodge
About Sunrise and Sunset
These paintings were directed and inspired by the vision and dreams of the Adanac Park Lodge residents, staff and community. It was with their input that these paintings came to be, as the artist was simply the conduit. These paintings loosely reflect the mirror and duality of life. Night and day, east and west, with the mountains as the barriers and the flip sides of life and the river of life’s journey flowing turbulently with many obstacles to overcome. The sun represents growth, touching all areas of the world. The eagle and the bear represent strength, with the warrior woman and wild man. Counterpoint. The moon represents stability and perseverance, with the two wolves, along with two men opposite the wild woman. The nighthawk and the owl as cunning hunters with vision.
Meet the artist
Chief Kwakwee Baker is a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw artist, and hails from the Squamish, Musgamagw Dzawada'Nuik, Namgis, Tlingit/Haida, Kwaguilth Nations, and Celtic people through blood and cultural rites of passage.
Kwakwee is an internationally recognized Multi-Media Designer, working in the realms of contemporary North West Coast Native art. His work includes painting, graphic design, workshop instruction and traditional performance. He feels fortunate to have been brought up with the potlatch traditions and ceremonies, with mentoring and apprenticeship he received from his extended families. This gave him an early understanding of the complexities of Traditional First Nations art forms, of his history, meaning and protocol of his rights and use of family crests.