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Land Acknowledgment

We are səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), “People of the Inlet.” According to archaeological evidence and our oral history, Tsleil-Waututh peoples have lived in our traditional territory for thousands of years. The heart of our community is now centred on səlilwət (Burrard Inlet), between Maplewood Flats and Deep Cove in North Vancouver, but traditional use studies and archaeological evidence show our Ancestors occupied a vast area, about 1,865 square kilometres (190,000 hectares). Our traditional territory encompasses wilderness watersheds northwards to Mount Garibaldi, Coquitlam Lake in the east, and Howe Sound to the west.Visitors are welcome to experience our living culture, and listen to our stories.

səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)

səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) — known as “People of the Inlet” — whose unceded traditional territory centres around Burrard Inlet and its surrounding watersheds, forests, and mountains.

People of the Inlet

səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Check-in Challenge

səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Language Challenge

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The Bill Reid Gallery is the only public Gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art.As a prominent institution located in downtown Vancouver, the gallery is committed to celebrating Haida master artist Bill Reid’s remarkable legacy and the rich artistic traditions of the Northwest Coast while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for contemporary Indigenous art. Visitors to the gallery can experience the Bill Reid SFU Art Collection and a series of dynamic exhibitions and programs showcasing contemporary Indigenous artists’ remarkable work. Their Gallery Shop features works and merchandise made by and/or designed by emerging and established Northwest Coast artists.Bill Reid Gallery is centrally located in Vancouver within a short distance from the Canada Lines City Centre Station in Pacific Centre or the Millennium/Expo Lines Burrard Station.

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

Serpent Slayer Located at təmtəmíxʷtən (Belcarra Regional Park)Long ago, as the waters of the great flood receded, sʔi:ɬqəy̓ (the great two-headed serpent) lay across səl̓ilwət (Burrard Inlet). sʔi:ɬqəy̓ was a sƛeləqəm (powerful being) and all other living creatures feared and avoided it at all costs. Its gaze was more deadly than the fire from lightning. One day, a young səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh or person of the inlet) boy living at təmtəmíxʷtən was swept away by a seal while swimming alone as his sister watched. The seals began to raise him as their own. The sea world prepped the boy to become a great warrior who would face the most difficult task: slaying sʔi:ɬqəy̓. After a decade of travelling the world, training, learning, and living with his kin of the sea kingdom, he returned to təmtəmíxʷtən, ready to fight the giant two-headed serpent. This was a gruesome battle and required the warrior to use carefully prepared arrows laced with pitch from a special tree. He struck the serpent twice, one arrow to each head. The serpent fell to its death and the warrior saved the land. After his great battle with sʔi:ɬqəy̓, the warrior returned to təmtəmíxʷtən and stabbed the ground with the two-headed serpent’s fang, opening a freshwater spring and sparing his people from having to travel for their water.

“Serpent Slayer” welcome pole at təmtəmíxʷtən (Belcarra Regional Park)

“Serpent Slayer” welcome pole at təmtəmíxʷtən (Belcarra Regional Park) carved by TsuKwalton Jonas Jones, Tsleil-Waututh artist and Member.

Whey-ah-Wichen (Cates Park) is an ancestral Tsleil-Waututh Nation village site located on the inlet in North Vancouver. The hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ place name means “facing both directions” and “facing the wind.”

Whey-ah-Wichen (Cates Park)

təmtəmíxʷtən,&nbsp;also known as “the biggest place for all the people”, is one of many Tsleil-Waututh villages surrounding səlilwət (Burrard Inlet). Since time out of mind, the entire landscape of this area was used by the Tsleil-Waututh community for settlement, hunting, resource harvesting, sacred/health sites, and ceremonial uses.In recent years, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) has taken significant steps to reclaim our connection to təmtəmíxʷtən and actively preserve səlilwətaɬ values and cultural heritage within the park. This is in collaboration with Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) through a Cultural Planning and Co-operation Agreement that was signed in 2020.During Fall 2023, we heard from the voices of our Tsleil-Waututh members to guide the vision of the park, in what matters most to our community. Through a Community Engagement Process with MVRD of two events and a survey, our members shared vital insight on culture and history, access and participation, learning and stewardship, and relationships.

təmtəmíxʷtən (Belcarra Regional Park)

təmtəmíxʷtən (Belcarra Regional Park),&nbsp;also known as “the biggest place for all the people”, is one of many Tsleil-Waututh Nation villages surrounding səlilwət (Burrard Inlet). Since time out of mind, the entire landscape of this area was used by the Tsleil-Waututh community for settlement, hunting, resource harvesting, sacred/health sites, and ceremonial uses.

səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Public Art Ceremony “k̓ʷə səlilwətaɬ syəwenəɬ ct&nbsp;– Our Tsleil-Waututh Ancestors” took place on October 25, 2023, at Burnaby City Hall with səlilwətaɬ members and staff, City of Burnaby elected officials and staff, and members of the public in attendance to unveil&nbsp;a carving in the style of a traditional Coast Salish house post created by&nbsp;TsuKwalton Jonas Jones,&nbsp;Tsleil-Waututh artist and member.&nbsp;Commissioned for Burnaby City Hall, this public artwork honours the relationship established between səlilwətaɬ and the City of Burnaby. This incredibly intricate panel brings a two-sided wolf design in relief carving and metal.

“k̓ʷə səlilwətaɬ syəwenəɬ ct – Our Tsleil-Waututh Ancestors”

Public art at Burnaby City Hall: “k̓ʷə səlilwətaɬ syəwenəɬ ct&nbsp;– Our Tsleil-Waututh Ancestors”, a traditional Coast Salish house post created by&nbsp;TsuKwalton Jonas Jones,&nbsp;Tsleil-Waututh artist and Member.&nbsp;

Phibbs Exchange, North Vancouver: ‘Perception and Integrity’ aluminum design artwork created by Jordan Gallie, Tsleil-Waututh Nation artist and Member displayed at Phibbs Exchange, North Vancouver

‘Perception and Integrity’ at Phibbs Exchange

We are honouring Tsleil-Waututh Nation Residential and Day School Survivors by placing orange banners on ten street light poles throughout our community, starting today, September 4, 2024.The illustration on the banner was designed by Ocean Hyland, a Tsleil-Waututh artist. Her piece depicts a moon face, rain, lightning and plant kin. The banners signal to all staff, visitors, and people passing through the community of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s) commitment to holding up our Residential and Day School Survivors.

Orange Banners in honour of Tsleil-Waututh Nation Residential and Day School Survivors

Orange banners on street light poles on the Tsleil-Waututh Nation reserve, designed by Ocean Hyland, TWN artist and Member, in honour of Tsleil-Waututh Nation Residential and Day School Survivors.

This pole honours Zac George's grandfather, Chief Dan George, who was chief of Tsleil-Waututh First Nation as well as author and Academy Award-nominated actor. Chief Dan George is descended from the wolf clan. The wolf is particularly important animal to the Tseil-Waututh people, according to their traditional story of origin. The carving features a killer whale, an animal honoured by the Tsleil-Waututh people. In times past, the killer whale would travel freely through the waters of the Burrard Inlet, part of the traditional territory of the Tsleil-Waututh, who are known as the “people of the Inlet”.

Zac George Welcome Pole

Explore public art honoring Chief Dan George by artist Zac George at Pacific Coliseum.

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Serpent Slayer Located at təmtəmíxʷtən (Belcarra Regional Park)Long ago, as the waters of the great flood receded, sʔi:ɬqəy̓ (the great two-headed serpent) lay across səl̓ilwət (Burrard Inlet). sʔi:ɬqəy̓ was a sƛeləqəm (powerful being) and all other living creatures feared and avoided it at all costs. Its gaze was more deadly than the fire from lightning. One day, a young səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh or person of the inlet) boy living at təmtəmíxʷtən was swept away by a seal while swimming alone as his sister watched. The seals began to raise him as their own. The sea world prepped the boy to become a great warrior who would face the most difficult task: slaying sʔi:ɬqəy̓. After a decade of travelling the world, training, learning, and living with his kin of the sea kingdom, he returned to təmtəmíxʷtən, ready to fight the giant two-headed serpent. This was a gruesome battle and required the warrior to use carefully prepared arrows laced with pitch from a special tree. He struck the serpent twice, one arrow to each head. The serpent fell to its death and the warrior saved the land. After his great battle with sʔi:ɬqəy̓, the warrior returned to təmtəmíxʷtən and stabbed the ground with the two-headed serpent’s fang, opening a freshwater spring and sparing his people from having to travel for their water.

Discover the rich history and significance of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) through traditional village sites and stories.

Explore səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) cultural sites and stories

wacəq II (1770-1840) was a Great Chief of səl̓ilwət (Burrard Inlet) with his primary residence at təmtəmíxʷtən (Belcarra). Like his father, he had a close relationship with the natural world. He had a particularly strong connection with marine life. He once came upon two young boys throwing rocks at spawning sce:ɬtən (salmon) in ʔənlil̕wət (Indian River). To teach the boys a lesson about their connection to the sce:ɬtən, he asked the sce:ɬtən to leave the river. It was spawning season and ʔənlil̕wət was usually so full of sce:ɬtən, one could practically walk across it. Distressed, the people pleaded with wacəq II, and he asked the sce:ɬtən to return to ʔənlil̕wət. wacəq II was also a proficient hunter and specially trained warrior. He defended səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Territory from attacks by other First Nations. He met his fate at the hands of several Kwakwaka’wakw arrows while defending ʔənlil̓wətaɬ (Inlailawatash, a village near the mouth of the Indian River). Like his father and the leaders who preceded them, he was wrapped in cedar bark and placed in a traditional tree burial on an island near təmtəmíxʷtən. wacəq II was also a proficient hunter and specially trained warrior. He defended səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Territory from attacks by other First Nations. He met his fate at the hands of several Kwakwaka’wakw arrows while defending ʔənlil̓wətaɬ (Inlailawatash, a village near the mouth of the Indian River). Like his father and the leaders who preceded them, he was wrapped in cedar bark and placed in a traditional tree burial on an island near təmtəmíxʷtən. wacəq II was also a proficient hunter and specially trained warrior. He defended səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Territory from attacks by other First Nations. He met his fate at the hands of several Kwakwaka’wakw arrows while defending ʔənlil̓wətaɬ (Inlailawatash, a village near the mouth of the Indian River). Like his father and the leaders who preceded them, he was wrapped in cedar bark and placed in a traditional tree burial on an island near təmtəmíxʷtən.

Cates Park/Whey-ah-Wichen

Discover the deep history and traditions of the səlilwətaɬ people at Whey-ah-Wichen and təmtəmíxʷtən sites.

Explore Tsleil-Waututh Nation's Rich Culture

Jordan Gallie, a proud member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, was born in North Vancouver. At a very early age, he was first intrigued by the First Nations Artwork displayed at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. By the time he reached high school, he was already creating tattoos and logo designs for friends and family. Jordan was the first aboriginal youth in Canada to successfully complete a six-month overseas program, where he painted and displayed a six foot Native Sun banner in Bolivia while volunteering with the Canada World Youth organization to help less fortunate children. He has attended the Northwest Coast Jewelry Arts course at the Native Education College, after which his work was shown at the Bill Reid Gallery. Jordan has created logos for various companies across B.C. and is the designer of the artwork in the Council Chambers of Vancouver City Hall. He is also busy creating designs for clothing and multiple products. He draws inspiration from cultural legends passed down through many generations and knows he has found the right path that he will proudly walk on.

Ancestral Stones at Cates Landing

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First ancestors were bestowed upon us from the creator. Our first grandfather was raised by the four-legged, growing with our animal kin the takaya. Learning, adapting to the ways of the wild. He soon found he was a little different than the rest walking with the four legged, being forever grateful but yearning for the presence of another. He began to grieve the presence of a companion. This grief took over, he became hurt and distraught. For then he dove off cliff after cliff till one day, he dove, and swam to the very bottom of the ocean collecting sediment from our Mother Earth. With that sediment he took back to his camp and laid rest for the night in prayer, prayer for a companion he could grow with in hopes of love. Creator then had pity for this human. He gifted us our matriarch, the foundation to life. The most important piece to our puzzle… The gift of life. ̶ TsuKwalton ‘23 This artwork was commissioned for Burnaby City Hall to honour the relationship between the City of Burnaby and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). Conceived as a carving in the style of a traditional Coast Salish house post, the work brings a two-sided wolf design in relief carving and metal. Designed as a marker for this civic and community space, the wolf is the emblem of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. About the Artist Jonas Jones (TsuKwalton) comes from the village of Átsnach (Tsleil-Waututh) with strong bloodlines running from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) as well. He is grateful for teachers such as Ses Siyam (Ray Natraoro), who taught him to indulge within the Coast Salish laws of art, a system that is passed down from master carver to apprentice. He is honoured to be practicing this craft, as this foundation of art and way of life has been running through his blood for thousands of years. “To live and breathe a little piece of the old people, our swa7am (ancestors), is truly a beautiful thing.”

k̓ʷə səlilwətaɬ syəwenəɬ ct - Our Tsleil-Waututh Ancestors

Nine Places for Seeing Nine Places for Seeing is the first Platforms program dedicated exclusively to the work of Indigenous artists and was developed in collaboration with advisors from each of the city’s three Host Nations. Over the course of the next two years, Platforms: Nine Places for Seeing will be showcased on multiple public platforms throughout the city and will present new works regularly. It will feature newly commissioned works by 22 local xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and urban Indigenous artists.

Revitalizing our Connections

Discover diverse art installations across Vancouver, showcasing local artists and cultural connections.

Explore Vancouver's vibrant public art scene today!

Printed vinyl located on lands and waters of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://goo.gl/maps/XEHT6Y2tQJVLPwxy6">999 Canada Place</a> in Downtown Vancouver, BC.Herring lines the hair of the being connected to the sea. The visual representation of the changing tides is seen in front of her using Coast Salish elements, and an orca can be seen dancing in the current above.Pacific herring are a staple food source for many inhabitants of the Salish Sea, including orcas and people. It is important to maintain a balance among the many species that live in the ocean. Our environment has looked after us, and although it remains generous, our relationship with it must be reciprocal. As much as we take, we must also give back.Above the water line, droplets of the Salish Sea are absorbed by the sky so they can transform and make their way down as rain. Trigons represent the space where the water is called up to the sky and sent back down to water the plants, trees, and streams where the salmon are called to return. The moon sits high in the sky, and the Coast Salish eye mimics the sun and oversees the work done in our world. All life is connected: as the moon travels the sky, the tides flow, the wind blows, rain falls, the orcas are fed, and our people are happy. This reciprocal relationship ensures the well-being of us all.

The Winds and the Waters Will Always Call us Home Mural

Spirit of the Wind Bench Swa7am is the ancestor who brings the wind. An esteemed super natural being who uses the powers of the skies to bring swift winds wherever he visits. Sheltered Place Bench The ancestors of these lands thrived using the waters and forest paths to travel along and guide them. &nbsp;Deep Cove was known as the sheltered place, where people could take cover from heavy weather. An amazing haven coved with beautiful beings and where feathered kin flourished with abundant flowers bloom in season.&nbsp;

Spirit of the Wind & Sheltered Places

Artist: Jonas Jones

The stunning Coast Salish animal crests featured above each of the Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre apparatus bays were selected by the artist for possessing inherent traits they have in common with first responders. As firefighters come and go from the centre they are symbolically reminded that we are stronger together. &nbsp;BEAR (Thoughtfulness)(Physical Fitness) A bear’s strength is a big part of its physical fitness. It is a fierce protector. The bear is thoughtful and &nbsp;family oriented. A symbol for &nbsp;motherhood “mama-bear” offers great comfort and support.HERON (Self-Control/Persistence)(Inspiration) The great blue heron brings messages of self determination and the self reliance needed to progress and evolve. With grace, elegance and patience, the heron inspires introspection and grounding that brings wisdom.WOLF (Communication/Teamwork)(Drive) The wolf has strong communication skills strength family connections and enhance teamwork. &nbsp;A natural leader, the wolf is &nbsp;intelligent, tactful and a great hunter. Very in touch with its senses.WOODPECKER (Tenacity)(Flexible/Adaptable) The northern flicker shows tenacity in their journey to discover the land and secure a safe home for family. They are migratory birds, with &nbsp;knowledge and experience, make them highly adaptable to a variety of environments&nbsp;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.&nbsp;

Integrity & Legacy

The stunning Coast Salish animal crests featured above each of the Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre apparatus bays were selected by the artist for possessing inherent traits they have in common with first responders. As firefighters come and go from the centre they are symbolically reminded that we are stronger together. &nbsp;

səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)

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