Spirit of the Wind & Sheltered Places

TsuKwalton (Jonas Jones) · Deep Cove, North Vancouver, BC

səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) · Medium: Functional Sculpture / Benches · District of North Vancouver Public Art

Two benches. Two stories. One carved by the same hands that made the Serpent Slayer and the Return of the Orca — and carrying the same deep knowledge of this land.

The Work

TsuKwalton (Jonas Jones) is the carver whose work anchors the Tsleil-Waututh itinerary at Belcarra and Cates Park. These two benches in Deep Cove are something different — not poles standing at the edge of the water, but functional objects made to be sat upon, to be used, to be part of the daily life of a place.

The first bench carries the story of Swa7am — the ancestor who brings the wind. An esteemed supernatural being who uses the powers of the skies to bring swift winds wherever he visits. To sit on this bench is to sit in the presence of something ancient and atmospheric — the wind off the inlet here is not random weather. It is a being with a name and a history.

The second bench carries the story of Deep Cove itself — the sheltered place. The ancestors of these lands thrived by reading the water and the forest paths, using them as routes and guides. Deep Cove was known as the place where people could take cover from heavy weather — a haven covered with beautiful beings, where feathered kin flourished and abundant flowers bloomed in season.

Two benches. Two invitations to stop, sit, and understand where you are. TsuKwalton has put the knowledge of this land into objects designed for rest — which is, in its own way, the most generous act of teaching.

Know Before You Go

Located in Deep Cove, North Vancouver — at the eastern end of Indian Arm. The benches are functional public art installed in the Deep Cove area. Accessible year-round, free of charge.

Best time to visit: Deep Cove is spectacular in every season. The benches reward a slow visit — sit, read the carving, let the place do the rest. Weekday mornings are significantly quieter than summer weekends.

Getting There

By Transit — SeaBus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay, then Bus 212 toward Deep Cove. Approximately 50 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Deep Cove Village is the final stop.

By Vehicle — Cross the Second Narrows Bridge and follow Mount Seymour Parkway east to Deep Cove Road. Paid parking in the Deep Cove Village area. Approximately 30 minutes from downtown. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends — transit strongly recommended.

By Bike — The Baden Powell Trail and North Shore cycling network connect to Deep Cove. Rewarding ride with significant elevation change on the approach.

From the VCC: SeaBus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay, then Bus 212. Allow 50–60 minutes.

From YVR: Canada Line to Waterfront Station, then SeaBus, then Bus 212. Approximately 70 minutes.

CONTINUE THE TRAIL

→  Return of the Orca at Whey-ah-Wichen · TsuKwalton (Jonas Jones) · Cates Park · 2.8 km

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

→  Integrity & Legacy · Olivia George · Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre · [distance]