New Noel Brown artwork honours a Snuneymuxw Way of Being

Sports court artwork by Snuneymuxw Artist Noel Brown unveiled in honour of the Children, Survivors and Families ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed October 1, 2026 9:00 AM

Summary

As part of the City of Nanaimo’s ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, a new sports court artwork by Snuneymuxw artist Noel Brown was formally recognized in Deverill Square Gyro 2 Park during National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.

Commissioned through the City’s Urban Design Roster program, the artwork aligns with the City’s commitment to working with Snuneymuxw artists within Snuneymuxw territory, and encouraging public art that supports reconciliation. The project contributes to ongoing efforts to foster a deeper understanding of Snuneymuxw culture.

Noel Brown is a master carver and member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. His work has contributed significantly to the visibility of Snuneymuxw culture in public spaces throughout Nanaimo, including the Welcome Poles at Maffeo Sutton Park and Fire Station 1. Each year, he also designs the artwork featured on the City’s orange shirts honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The artwork was recognized at a community gathering held as part of the City’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation observances. The event highlighted the important role public art can play in fostering reflection and dialogue, while recognizing the lasting contributions of Snuneymuxw artists in the community.

More information on the city’s Public Art programs can be found on the City’s website.

Link to Strategic Plan: This project reflects the City’s commitment to working with local First Nations artists and encouraging public art that supports reconciliation while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of local First Nations culture.

Key Points

As part of the City of Nanaimo’s ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, a new sports court artwork by Snuneymuxw artist Noel Brown was formally recognized in Deverill Square Gyro 2 Park during National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
Noel Brown is a master carver and member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Commissioned through the City’s Urban Design Roster program, the artwork reflects the City’s commitment to working with local First Nations artists and encouraging public art that supports reconciliation.

Quotes

"On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are honoured to recognize this significant artwork by Snuneymuxw artist Noel Brown. By bringing Snuneymuxw art into a community recreation space, this project creates opportunities for reflection, learning and connection. We thank the artist, Noel Brown, for this meaningful contribution, which reminds us that reconciliation is an ongoing commitment to meaningful action in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action while building stronger relationships together."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

"From an Ancestral lens, art holds important knowledge and reminds us of our connection and responsibilities to the natural world. While what was lost can never truly be reconciled, we find focus in our responsibility to each other, the land, and our snawaylth."

Mike Wyse, Xum’silum

Chief

Snuneymuxw First Nation