Foreshore
"Foreshore" is the mural outside our New Westminster office, created by artist Kelly Cannell, a Coast Salish artist from the Musqueam Nation.
We are honoured to share the artist's explanation of this piece:
The Fraser River has played a crucial role in the development and history of New Westminster. From the early days when the Coast Salish peoples navigated its waters in canoes, to its evolution into a major shipping route, the river has been a lifeline for the community. Its importance extends beyond human activity to the balance of the entire ecosystem.
In this artwork, I sought to capture the essence of the Fraser River’s foreshores, including the adjacent Brunette River. These waterways have been vital to the Coast Salish peoples, providing an abundance of food such as salmon, which holds significant cultural value.
The design showcases the rich ecosystem of these waters and shores. Young salmon swim through the tidal grasses, while a frog emerges from the foliage. Beneath the surface, partially obscured by the grasses, is the head of a great blue heron hunting—a majestic predator that thrives in this environment.
This artwork honors the river’s historical significance to New Westminster and its role in supporting the diverse life forms that rely on it.
In Coast Salish culture, these creatures hold profound symbolic significance:
Heron: The heron is often regarded as a symbol of good fortune. Its presence represents patience, elegance, and grace. As a solitary bird with a deliberate and measured approach to life, the heron embodies the virtues of calm perseverance and refined beauty.
Frog: The frog is celebrated as a communicator in Coast Salish culture, known for its distinctive vocalizations. The frog’s croaking serves as an important indicator of seasonal changes, signaling shifts in the natural world and marking the passage of time with its calls.
Salmon: Salmon are one of the most revered symbols in Coast Salish culture. They represent wealth, prosperity, renewal, and the essence of life itself. Their remarkable journey from freshwater to the ocean and back again is a powerful metaphor for resilience and transformation, reflecting the cyclical nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all living things.