Indigenous art at Vancouver General Hospital
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.
Strong Rooted Community
By Olivia George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Medium: Digital art and mural 900 square feet
Location: Willow Pavilion West 12th at Vancouver General Hospital
About Strong Rooted Community
There are three levels to the wall, and three elements represented: air, land and water.
Our people are stewards, protecting these elements in the past, the present and continuing to do so in the future. Each element is shown with a corresponding colour: air is yellow, land is green, and water is blue.
The care team at Willow Pavilion is committed to creating a welcoming space for Indigenous clients and a healing space for all, so each section of the mural creates an environment that feels healing, caring and safe. This is represented by sacred animals: eagles, bears and orcas. The eagles soar in the sunny sky, and prayers are brought up to the Creator, helping people heal. A family of bears roams the land, representing the caring way the mother bear looks after her cubs. Lastly, the pod of orcas travels safely together and welcomes their whole family.
To represent the Host Nations and the land on which the Pavilion is situated, I used a cedar tree – a very significant and versatile natural resource for Indigenous people. Cedars are used for housing, clothing, ceremonial, transportation, tools, fire and other uses. Within nature, they represent evolution, strength, growth, stability and history. To respect the cedar and because of its importance to our people, it appears in the middle of the mural. It spans each element section as it reaches high into the sky (air), is planted on the land, and, like everything else, needs the water to survive.
Meet the artist
Olivia George is a səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Coast Salish artist, born and raised in North Vancouver. Her love for creating art began in elementary school, continued throughout high school and led to attaining a Graphic Design diploma. Her goal when she creates art, either painted or digitally, is not only to uplift herself but also those who view it. She loves to convey special meanings behind Indigenous symbolism in creative and honourable ways. As she creates art within her community and throughout Vancouver, the main belief she keeps close to her heart is “we are one, strong and resilient.” She shares “our stories and symbolism carry pride and spread positive messages that are relatable to the community around us.”
Rainbow (Red Tailed Hawk)
By Ben Houstie, Heiltsuk Nation
Medium: Paint
Location: Joseph and Rosalie Segal & Family Health Centre at Vancouver General Hospital
About Rainbow (Red Tailed Hawk)
Ben Houstie is a survivor of the St. Michael's Residential School in Alert Bay, B.C. For him, art is a part of the healing process.
“As a child, I had the opportunity to watch master carver Mungo Martin work on the world's largest totem pole in Alert Bay. Residential schools were designed to 'remove' culture and promote assimilation and yet, ironically, it was there that I found the artistic traditions of our culture," said Houstie. “I am deeply impacted by the painful experiences of being in a residential school. My art is part of my healing and provides a connection to my culture."
This piece was gifted to VCH and Willow Pavilion by Larry Garfinkel of Native Northwest and his family.
Meet the artist
Ben Houstie was born in Bella Bella (Waglisla), British Columbia, Canada located along the southern coast of the province. He is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation, whose artwork differs from the north by its bold and colourful depiction’s of westcoast symbols.
Ben started making Northwest Coast Native artwork at a very young age. He began painting on paper and on canvas, then progressed to carving cedar wood and in the last five years has taken up the art of jewelry making using silver and gold as his medium. He is more well-known for his paintings than his wood pieces or his jewelry, as he has mastered the two dimensional art form.
Ben is one of the few Northwest Coast Native artists who produce small original paintings and miniature wood masks. The style that he has created is all his own, keeping within the traditional form of his culture. Ben is very much interested in helping preserve his cultural background through his artwork for future generations.
Soar; Care; Calm
By Austin Aan’yas Harry, Squamish and Namgis Nations
Medium: Three digital designs
Location: Burns, Trauma, and High Acuity Unit (BTHAU) at Vancouver General Hospital
About Soar; Care; Calm
Soar (2024)
The piece depicts an eagle emerging from a clouded sky, illuminated by a cool, ethereal light. In many traditions, the eagle is regarded as a healer and a messenger closest to the creator, symbolizing our connection to the spiritual realm. Soaring high above, it watches over us, bridging the gap between the natural and supernatural worlds. The eagle's ascent from the dark clouds into the open night sky represents the presence of hope even in the darkest moments. Subtle hints of sunset glow off the foreground clouds, suggesting the eagle’s destination is a place of light and renewal which can be seen in the next work.
Care (2024)
This piece captures a sunset behind Vancouver’s North Shore mountains where the snow-capped peaks glow with the warm colours of the setting sun. The scene transitions from day to night, with stars emerging in the clear sky, framing the image of the salmon—an enduring symbol of resilience and courage. In the foreground, a pod of orcas swims just beneath the water’s surface representing the community that surrounds and protects. Like the orcas waiting patiently below, the caregivers and family members of the patients stand ready, supporting and awaiting the safe return of those in the hospital's care.
Calm (2024)
This piece reflects the collective effort needed to nurture and sustain life. The deer, a symbol of peace and calm, gazes gracefully outward, its antlers adorned with blossoming flowers. Around it, hummingbirds flutter, tending to the flowers. Though small, the hummingbirds embody intelligence and fierce determination, working tirelessly to ensure the flowers continue to thrive. The scene captures the harmony between beings, illustrating how the strength and care of many contribute to the well-being of one, ensuring life flourishes.
Meet the artist
Austin Aan’yas Harry is a Coast Salish Artist based in Vancouver BC, Canada. He is of the Wolf Clan from the Squamish Nation and Thunderbird Clan from the Namgis Nation.
From a young age Austin worked with his father, Xwalacktun Rick Harry, teaching youth about the history and culture of the Squamish people. Austin found a love for digital art and media through movies, comic books, and video games, but saw a lack of representation of the culture he was so proud of. He worked in the video game industry for a number of years before deciding it was time to work towards his dream of bringing Indigenous culture to the mainstream through art and design. Indigital was founded with this goal in mind.
Female House Post and Male House Post
By Musqueam artists Thomas Cannell and Brent Sparrow
Medium: Carved Traditional Coast Salish house posts and house boards
Location: Dogwood Care Home at Vancouver General Hospital
About Female House Post and Male House Post
Traditionally house posts were part of the Musqueam longhouses’ interior structure and used to support substantial crossbeams. There is a difference between a carved post and a carved house board, the latter would have been fastened to a structural post or a wall. Carved house posts are typically a tribute to a specific ancestor and a declaration for the ongoing inherited rights associated with that ancestor. Sometimes house posts represented the personal visions or special powers of their owner or their owner’s ancestor. The late Musqueam elder James Point explained that “they showed what kind of person you were.”
Presented here are two house posts and two house boards.
The Female House Post and Male House Post by Thomas Cannell and Brent Sparrow represent the strength of their ancestors. The designs at the top of the woman and man represent the spirits of the ancestors in the Sun, Moon and Stars. Both are deeply carved from one red cedar log and designed in a contemporary style. The woman is a high-status Salish woman. The woman’s expression is dignified and formal; her face has a slim nose carved above a closed mouth. Her hands are raised in a traditional thankful, welcoming manner.
Both hats are carved with a significant upper element featuring a celestial image representing the Earth. The man’s face is formal and composed, with a strong nose above a closed mouth and oval eyes below a straight brow.
The House Boards are carved from another red-cedar log and the design reflects the abundance of eagles and salmon in and around the Fraser River where the Musqueam have lived. The Eagle is a renowned symbol of great significance sending messages and prayers to the Creator. If an Eagle is seen during a Prayer session, it’s a sign of having a prayer accepted. If a prayer needs immediate attention from the Creator, an eagle feather is held up towards the sky.
The gift the Eagle shares is the ability of foresight and an indication of good times to come; feathers are also symbolic gifts to impart respect for accomplishment and display of courage and wisdom.
Salmon are an integral part of the northwest coast and have been an important symbol and resource for Musqueam people for thousands of years. Salmon bring people together in friendship and in marriages from far away villages, and represent renewal and prosperity.
Meet the Artists
Thomas Cannell is a Coast Salish artist born on Musqueam traditional territory in 1980. He has always lived amongst his family on the Musqueam Reserve in Vancouver BC, and has been immersed in the long-established art and cultural traditions of his ancestors. Thomas has worked alongside his mother Coast Salish artist Susan Point, spending years training and honing his skills as a carver and designer.
Brent Sparrow has spent years apprenticing with his mother, established Coast Salish artist Susan Point, and with adopted Kwakwaka'wakw artist John Livingston since 2006. Brent has gained experience working with Susan Point on the creation and installation of several public art projects.
House Posts at the Diamond Family Courtyard
The raising of these house posts is part of a larger redesign of the Diamond Family Courtyard that will transform the space into a welcoming and gathering space recognizing the link between VCH and the Indigenous people we serve. This is an important piece of our larger journey towards reconciliation.
Creating welcoming spaces such as these also align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions calls to action #22 Recognize healing practices, healers, and Elders. In making spaces safer for Indigenous patients and healers it is vital to have spaces that reflect Indigenous culture and practices.
House posts (or Kaken in Squamish language) are typically part of the interior structure of longhouses in Coast Salish communities, used to support crossbeams. Most often carved from red or yellow cedar, house posts feature crest figures – many of which represent supernatural beings or ancestors who encountered supernatural beings – from whom hereditary rights and privileges were obtained.
Squamish Nation House Post
Carver: Xwalacktun (Rick Harry)
Location: Diamond Family Courtyard at Vancouver General Hospital
Together these images tell the well-known story of Xwech'taal which is an ancient and powerful piece about overcoming life's great challenges and of healing. The pole depicts overcoming things that challenge us whether it be ailments of the mental, physical, spiritual or emotional dimension. The Xwech'taal story is about a Squamish hero who slayed a serpent and once it was slayed he earned the ability to heal others.
Musqueam Nation House Post
Carver: Brent Sparrow Jr.
Location: Diamond Family Courtyard at Vancouver General Hospital
The qeqen (housepost) presents an eagle at the top symbolizing our ancestors and loved ones as guardians watching over patients while providing them comfort and protection through recovery. The female figure poses in honour with her arms slightly extended offering guidance, warmth and strength while greeting passing staff and patients as well as welcoming friends, family and visitors to this facility. The face on the back with the blanket design symbolizes the staff, patients, friends and family that spend time in the hospital. The blanket covering them is for warmth, strength and protection. The base displays many types of medicines used by our ancestors.
Tsleil-Waututh Nation House Post
Carver: Skokaylem (Zachary George)
Location: Diamond Family Courtyard at Vancouver General Hospital
This Salish House Post titled, Qut'same, honours the legacy of late Leonard George. The father of Skokaylem, Leonard had a deep passion for Indigenous health and endeavoured to bridge the gap between his people and the health care system. He tirelessly endeavoured “to understand one another so our people can feel safe and treated just the same as every human being." The design shows Qut'same standing in a Salish woven basket, holding a salmon and sharing it as a gift to welcome people to the territory where Vancouver General Hospital is located.