Integrity & Legacy

Olivia George · Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre · North Vancouver, BC

səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) · Medium: Fritted Glass · District of North Vancouver Public Art Program

Four Coast Salish animal crests watch over the firefighters who come and go from this building. They have been chosen for what they have in common with the people inside.

The Work

Above each of the apparatus bays at the Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre, a Coast Salish animal crest looks out over the forecourt. They were selected by Tsleil-Waututh artist Olivia George not as decoration, but as reflection — each animal chosen because it embodies qualities that first responders carry into their work every day.

The bear is thoughtfulness and physical strength. A fierce protector. Family-oriented. The symbol of the mother who offers comfort and support in moments of crisis.

The heron is self-control and persistence. With grace, elegance, and patience, the great blue heron inspires the introspection and grounding that brings wisdom — the quality a firefighter needs when everything around them is moving fast.

The wolf is communication and teamwork. A natural leader, intelligent, tactful, deeply in touch with its senses. The wolf understands that strength comes from the connections between individuals, not from any one of them alone.

The woodpecker is tenacity and adaptability. The northern flicker's long migrations — its capacity to learn a landscape and make a home in it — makes it one of the most resilient creatures in the Pacific Northwest.

The work is realised in fritted glass — a contemporary medium that allows Coast Salish form lines to become part of the architecture itself, visible from the street as both art and statement. Olivia George was born and raised in North Vancouver, on the territory these crests now watch over. She draws from traditional Tsleil-Waututh beliefs, blending them with modern elements in a way that makes ancient knowledge present in the fabric of a contemporary building.

"The Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre honours the land of the Indigenous people and values their knowledge of the area where we live and work."

Know Before You Go 

Located at the Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre, North Vancouver. The fritted glass installation is visible from the exterior of the building — the animal crests appear above each of the apparatus bay doors facing the street. No entry to the building required. Viewable year-round at any time.

Best time to visit: The fritted glass is most vivid when backlit — morning and midday light from the east illuminates the crests directly. The building is an active fire station — be respectful of operations when visiting.

Getting There

By Transit — SeaBus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay, then Bus 228 or 239 east toward Maplewood. Approximately 35 minutes from Lonsdale Quay.

By Vehicle — Cross Lions Gate Bridge or Second Narrows Bridge, follow signs toward the North Shore. The Maplewood area is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver.

By Bike — North Shore Spirit Trail cycling path connects Lonsdale Quay to the Maplewood area.

From the VCC: SeaBus from Waterfront Station — 12 minutes to Lonsdale Quay, then connect east by transit.

From YVR: Canada Line to Waterfront Station, then SeaBus. Approximately 40 minutes to Lonsdale Quay.

CONTINUE THE TRAIL

→  Wild Bird Trust of BC · Ocean Hyland & Jordan Gallie · Maplewood Flats · [distance]

→  Perception and Integrity · Jordan Gallie · Phibbs Exchange · 0.2 km

→  Syewá:l (Ancestors) House Post · Zachary George (Skokaylem) · Corrigan Nature House · [distance]