Indigenous art at Sheway
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.
Territory Acknowledgement
By Olivia George
Location: Sheway
About Territory Acknowledgement
The Territory Acknowledgment on the entrance window honors people from the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Each of the faces represent stages of life. One individual with scaled hair represents Musqueam (symbolized by a salmon) and Elders, the second with fur represents Tsleil-Waututh Nation (symbolized by a wolf) and youth, and the third with feathered hair represents Squamish Nation (symbolized by the Thunderbird) and mid-life. The right window illustrates verbal, written, and actionable aspects of the Territory Acknowledgment.
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.”
Children’s Sensory Wall
By Olivia George
Location: Sheway
About Children’s Sensory Wall
The concepts integrate elements of land, water, air, environment, animals and people, and features three houses: a plank house representing Coast Salish, a Northwest Coast Longhouse, and a tipi representing Urban Indigenous culture. These concepts symbolize diverse populations traveling throughout Canada.
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.”
Butterfly
By Olivia George
Location: Sheway
About Butterfly
The mural on the third floor of Sheway symbolizes inner beauty, featuring a butterfly that invites people to reflect on their personal growth and the many layers of their identity.
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.”
Medicine Wall
By Olivia George
Location: Sheway
About Medicine Wall
The cedar tree has four baskets containing traditional Indigenous medicines: cedar, sage, sweetgrass and tobacco. These medicines will be available for patients to pick from, offering an opportunity to learn about their growth, significance and use in healing practices. This initiative aims to provide insight into Indigenous culture and medicinal traditions, fostering a deeper connection to the land and its natural healing properties.
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.”
