by Jennifer Giamblanco
Photo by @racheltophamphotography on Instagram
New public art installations share Coast Salish traditions, culture, and identity in teaching and community spaces.
SFU has installed two of four new public works of art to acknowledge, honour and respect the unceded traditional territories of the First Nations, where SFU's Surrey campus is located. More than static installations, the pieces are platforms for learning that invite audiences to deepen their understanding of the region's Indigenous peoples' traditions and their relationship with the land.
Our Roots Run Deep, produced by Phyllis Atkins and her son, Noah (Kwantlen First Nation), and Step by Step, by Rain Pierre (Katzie First Nation), are the first two Indigenous art pieces to be installed at the campus.
These works of art were designed in consultation with Indigenous and local community partners. Two additional works by Roxanne Charles and Leslie Wells (both from Semiahmoo First Nation) will be installed during the spring of this year.
"First Nations people have flourished on these lands since time immemorial. This art is a testament and reminder to all about our people's deep connection to land, place and spirit," says Chris Syeta'xtn Lewis, SFU's Indigenous executive lead. "It's one more step, on our journey, to create safe and culturally appropriate spaces for all our Indigenous students, staff and faculty. I want to thank the SFU team and partners for your leadership and courage to create such meaningful spaces."
