Indigenous art at Richmond Urgent and Primary Care Centres
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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Richmond City Centre Urgent and Primary Care Centre
The Richmond Urgent and Primary Care Centre is located in an urban, light industrial area of Richmond, BC. The Richmond UPCC provides urgent primary care for people with non-life-threatening conditions who need care within 12-24 hours but do not require an emergency department. The clinic also provides primary care and X-Ray services.
By Mack Paul, Musqueam
Location: Richmond City Centre UPCC
About the work
A key aspect of the interior design was the incorporation of Indigenous art as a means of expressing Vancouver Coastal Health’s commitment to providing culturally safe health care for Indigenous patients. Musqueam artist Mack Paul's work incorporated a traditional and ecological land-based narrative into the design of a mural that features the double-headed serpent, a key figure in the origin story of the Musqueam Nation.
Richmond East Urgent and Primary Care Center
Vancouver Coastal Health partnered with Richmond Division of Family Practice to construct a new Urgent Primary Care Centre (UPCC) in East Richmond. The new UPCC address the priority health needs of the Richmond population.
The UPCC aimed to include Indigenous artwork throughout the facility in order to contribute to a welcoming and culturally safe space for clients seeking service at the sight and in furtherance of recommendation 10 from the In Plain Sight Report, regarding the inclusion of Indigenous artwork, signage, territorial acknowedgment and design in B.C. hospital facilities.
To achieve this, the UPCC has proposed featuring a prominent Indigenous wall mural in the main reception area and integrating Coast Salish designs and motifs throughout the facility. These elements could be printed and reproduced on glass and walls, contributing to a more welcoming and culturally safe space for clients.
Legends of the Land and Sea
By Kelly Cannell, Musqueam
Medium: Digital art
Location: Richmond East UPCC
About Legends of the Land and Sea
Not so long ago, this once pristine territory was teeming with life. Each creature living within these lands held great significance to the Musqueam Coast Salish People. Here, amidst the beauty of the land and waters, these creatures thrived, weaving tales that became integral to our culture. Like many in our community, I was brought up on stories and legends of the beings inhabiting these sacred grounds. It is essential to share and bring awareness to the profound connections we have with all living creatures on Earth.
This mural design reflects the rich tapestry of the land and waters surrounding us. It is the story of the confluence where the Fraser River meets the Salish Sea. Here, amidst the grasslands and shores, life flourishes at every turn. The vibrant artwork portrays the view from Vancouver, gazing over the flats and estuary at the mouth of the Fraser River.
In this depiction, an eagle on the left and a Thunderbird on the right hide within the trees. Along the sandy shores, herons gracefully take flight over the river where mighty sturgeons swim alongside salmon. Amid the grasses, a muskrat scurries off in search of its next meal. Beyond the currents of the Fraser River, a pod of orcas surface for air. Within the sun is a weaving pattern, known as the Mountain and Valley motif. In the sky above, the clouds form the silhouette of the double-headed serpent, a legendary figure in Musqueam culture, symbolizing the origins of our community's name.
These legends, including the double-headed serpent, the sockeye people, the transformed sturgeon, Thunderbird, and many others, have been passed down through generations within our Musqueam community. Each creature symbolizes a profound meaning, reflecting positive and inspiring attributes appropriate for this location and community.
The Eagle - Symbolizing wisdom, power, and strength, the prestigious eagle holds a place of reverence in our culture.
The Thunderbird - This mythical creature, known for its supernatural powers, is believed to be the creator of storms, residing in the mountains and wielding lightning bolts beneath its wings, with each flap of wings resonating thunder. These storms bring life and vegetation.
The Salmon - Representing prosperity, renewal, and fertility, the salmon holds immense cultural significance. It was a primary source of food and used in various aspects of our traditions. When presented in pairs, salmon are believed to bring good luck.
The Orca - A symbol of romance and harmony, Orcas in their pods, are known to form lifelong bonds, embodying the ideals of partnership and unity.
The Heron - Known for its determination and self-reliance, the heron symbolizes grace, balance, and patience, qualities deeply admired in our culture.
The Muskrat –Serving as a reminder of adaptability and resilience, the muskrat embodies the spirit of transformation and resourcefulness. Muskrats were once prominent creatures thriving in this area.
The Sturgeon - Revered much like the salmon, sturgeons were esteemed for their abundance and the prosperity they brought, symbolizing wealth and providing bountiful feasts. There are many different legends surrounding the sturgeon throughout Coast Salish communities.
The Double-Headed Serpent - The story goes that a long time ago a double-headed serpent (sʔi:ɬqəy̓) fertilized this particular area, resulting in a unique plant—məθkʷəy̓—flourishing. Subsequently, the people themselves became known as xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)—place where the məθkʷəy̓ grows.
About the artist
Kelly Cannell is a Coast Salish artist from Musqueam in British Columbia. Kelly has been exposed to Coast Salish Art and culture from birth; coming from a renewed artistic family. At the age of 12, Kelly began her art career by creating her first collaborative silkscreen print with her mother Susan Point. Kelly’s travels throughout the years have been the foundation for her inspirations and helped her connect with and create art celebrating the natural world.