River's Legacy - sxʷəlməxʷɑʔɬ stəltɑl̓əw̓ ( Our people’s river)

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

"This mural design is intended to express the long-lasting connection between the q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen) people with the Fraser River, its resources & what is known now to be the City of New Westminster.

By creating this piece on our unceded territory, I intend to establish a marking of my ancestors' historic villages and fishing sites in sχʷey̓əməɬ (New Westminster) and fulfill my goals towards ensuring visibility for our community and creating a presence of our people's history on this shared land.

This design depicts a moon face and three salmon surrounding it. The new moon phase represents setting intentions for future generations as well as a marker of the union between the lunar cycles and the tides. 

The spawning salmon embody my grandmother, mother, and me. As well as my two siblings and I, with this dual meaning, I hope to express the importance of generational knowledge and the resilience of our lineage of fisher people along the stɑl'əw̓ (Big river). 

For many q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen) people fishing is a way of life. My late Grandmother was a fisher woman, she fished the Fraser while pregnant with my mother, just as my mother did the same with me and my brothers. Through this creating a connection with the Fraser that transcends physicality and bridges into the spiritual realm.

The water itself serves as a reflection of us as Coast Salish people—an ever-moving, bold force that adapts and changes with time but never wavering in exceptional strength and perseverance. 

The red oxide colour I chose to add throughout the piece within the salmon bodies- reminds me of red cedar, used as a traditional medicine integral to our q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ culture. I also wanted this represented because cedar is used to cleanse and create a positive renewal of space. 

This colour can also be viewed as the colour of tə́məɬ a paint or paste traditionally used as a form of protection, emphasizing the healing and holistic qualities of our predecessors.

I really wanted to highlight the water’s spirits and to recognize the river's significance in our culture in this mural. Most importantly my focus on the Fraser River within my artwork is derived from a need for advocation and awareness of our endangered species; such as multiple species of Salmon, Salish suckers, Eulachon, Sturgeon, and many more." 

ABOUT THE ARTIST 

Elinor Atkins (Miməwqθelət, “the first bird to sing in the morning”) is a member of the Kwantlen First Nation and a Nɬeʔkepmx artist. Her works draw from the traditional teachings of the Coastal and Interior Salish culture and a deep connection to the land and water. She creates in different mediums including illustration, painting, printmaking, wood carving and public art installation.

“My art is deeply influenced by my roots in the Coastal and Interior Salish culture. The majority of my work draws from Kwantlen’s teachings or spiritual subject matter and have traditional influences formatted in a contemporary way. My style is unique because of the combination between the traditional Salish design elements and modern components, such as the bright color palettes and weaving of botanicals, wildlife, and traditional teachings. Over the last six years my goal has been building my art portfolio through practicing skills in different art mediums such as wood carving, acrylic painting, murals, and illustration; as well as pursuing large scale public art opportunities and commissions that will help me grow as an Indigenous artist in the area."

More About the Artist: Instagram @elinoratkins_art

BACKGROUND 

In 2024, Elinor Atkins was selected from the City of New Westminster Artist Roster to create a mural on the back of the Scotiabank building located on Columbia Street. 

This is the second mural commissioned by the City of New Westminster as part of the City's Mural Pilot launched in 2023. Artists receive support from the Vancouver Mural Festival to safely and expertly execute all project requirements, ensuring successful outcomes for all involved.

The intended lifespan of the mural is 5 years.

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Elinor Atkins
Neighbourhood:
Downtown
Installation year:
2024
Status:
Temporary
Type:
Mural
Primary materials:
paint
Address:
728 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1A9