Indigenous art at Downtown Eastside Youth Outreach Centre

By Diamond Point, Musqueam

Medium: 45 square feet mural

Location: Downtown Eastside Youth Outreach Centre

About One Heart, One Mind

This wall mural honours the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations on whose lands this building is located. It also reflects themes shared from all three Host Nations and youth outreach program clients about what makes a space feel safe, welcoming and inclusive to them. Youth shared that it was important the artwork reflect traditional Indigenous items, such as drums and canoes, animals such as eagles, bears and salmon, and practices such as “talking with an Elder.” Youth also shared the importance of artwork that contributes to a sense of “calmness” and “safety,” as well as reflecting the importance of artwork that contributes to a sense of “calmness” and “safety,” as well as reflecting the importance of “home,” which Point has skillfully conveyed in this piece. Point also incorporated the phrase “we are of one heart, one mind,” translated into the traditional languages of the Host Nations: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (Squamish language) and hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (Musqueam language). 

Meet the artist

Diamond Point is a contemporary Coast Salish artist and member of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nation. In her work, Point respectfully incorporates traditional Coast Salish design elements to represent beautiful teachings and history that her ancestors have passed down through generations since time immemorial. Point’s art practice encompasses graphic design, illustration, site-specific installations and sculptural work. Her work has been installed in many public art projects across the Lower Mainland, most notably in Vancouver and Richmond, on traditional and unceded Musqueam territory. In her artwork, Point often focuses on themes of Indigenous identity, heritage, relationships and interconnectedness. 

By Ryan Hughes, Snuneymuxw First Nation

Medium: Painted on Canvas size 48” x 72”

Location: Downtown Eastside Youth Outreach Centre

About We Show Up for Each Other

In my piece, the raven is the main figure, holding the sun in its mouth, telling the story of creation, including how the sun and light were brought to the earth by the raven. The raven represents “transformation” — it used to be white, but in bringing the light to earth he was transformed to black. Similarly, youth go through their own transformation — physically, mentally and spiritually. It is a story of putting others’ needs before your own, which is fitting for a caring space and the youth outreach work that happens here.  

In preparation for this mural, youth shared that images of sacred animals, such as salmon and bear, were important to them and helped contribute to a safe, inclusive and welcoming space. Additionally, a meaningful phrase that resonated with youth was, “We show up for each other.”  

In this piece, the salmon represents connection to community and culture. Although the raven and bear are different animals, they live in the same area, co-exist and the salmon connects them. When the bear catches a salmon, there is always a raven to swoop down and steal a piece. When there are salmon and the raven cannot catch them, it calls for the bear to help. This story reflects the importance of community, connections and family, because family and community show up for each other, and when you have that, you are connected.  

I would not have been able to create this mural if not for connection to my culture through art. As a youth creating art for other youth, I feel even more connected to this piece.

Meet the artist

Ryan Hughes is a youth Coast Salish artist from Snuneymuxw First Nation. He chooses to give back through his art. He shares Indigenous teachings through his work that are informed by his lived experience, with the intention of creating artwork that will contribute to making life a little easier for other youth. On this project, he worked with his mentor, Chris Sparrow, to create complementary murals for this space. 

By Chris Sparrow, Musqueam

Medium: Painted on Canvas size 48” x 60”

Location: Downtown Eastside Youth Outreach Centre

About Spirit of the Youth

I have brought the power and strength of the humpback whale to this piece for a few reasons.  

It was important to me that this work honour and reflect what was shared in the engagement with youth from Squamish Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Musqueam Nation, as well as clients of the Youth Outreach Team, about what they would like to see in this artwork, and what safety and welcoming means to them.  

Youth shared that the ocean was a sacred place that was important to them and one that makes them feel safe and welcome. Youth also shared they would like to see artwork that includes images of sacred animals. The whale, in particular, was one of the animals that came to mind for youth when thinking about their health, wellness and what they would like to see in this space.  

The whale represents the strong and powerful spirit of the youth. The whale is also an important medicine animal in Indigenous culture and is a symbol of power and strength, which makes it fitting for a space that is offering health and wellness services to youth.

Meet the artist

Chris Sparrow is a Musqueam Coast Salish artist and young master carver. He was mentored in traditional Coast Salish art and design by his late father, Irving Sparrow. He has been creating Coast Salish native art for the last 27 years. Chris designs red cedar panels, house posts and sculptures that are inspired from animals and creatures from the Salish Sea. He has sold private artwork and continues to hone his artistic skill sets in other mediums, like silver and gold jewellery and graphic designs.