Mural: Journey to the Skeena
Created: Summer 2019
Size: 700 ft2
Location: Canada Post building on the corner of Lazelle & Emerson
Address: 3232 Emerson Street
This mural celebrates where we are situated in Terrace, on the traditional territories of the inland Ts’msyen people. Boldly represented in blues are the main crests of this area (Wolf, Eagle, Orca, and Frog/Raven), this composition gives reference to traditional house fronts and painted screens, but in a contemporary way it also serves as an indication of the Skeena River which runs strong through these lands. The salmon are depicted vividly to narrate their journey through this region and gives light to the incredible nutrient-rich life source that is dispersed with their passing. As the salmon swim upstream, they encounter each of the crest animals, feeding all beings until they reach home to lay their eggs for the next generation, to continue this beautiful and vital life cycle.
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I am from the Laksilyu “Small frog” clan, Kwen Beegh Yex “House beside the fire” of the Wet’suwet’en nation. I have been creating artistic works since a young age, and creativity has been the forefront theme of my life. I take care with my artwork to and try to achieve a fine finish as I complete them. I have taken many steps to better myself as a Wet’suwet’en woman and artist over the years including an active cultural participation and enrolling in fine arts programs. My strength comes from my T’so “Grandma” Violet Gellenbeck, who has worked in the Witset community for most of her life. She is a hereditary clan chief, has co-written historic non-fiction books on Wet’suwet’en history and culture, worked tirelessly to record verbal history handed down over time immemorial, and engaged our nation in the revival of our traditional language. She has the strength that runs through my veins, our community, and our mothers before her.