Artwork at Maffeo Sutton Inclusive Playground

Maffeo Sutton Park Inclusive Playground - Fence

Snuneymuxw artist, Noel Brown, offers artwork in this park to honour
the Nation’s ancient relationship with the sacred creatures that have
lived freely throughout these lands. As part of the design, salmon swim
through a river that winds through the playground. This represents the
majestic Millstone River, called Sxwayum in Hul’q’umi’num.

Sxwayum, from ancient times, has been and will be a significant life force for the Snuneymuxw people. These sacred waters are home to coho, chum, pink salmon and trout. This artwork reminds us of the need to protect local waters.

An ancient Snuneymuxw Village site is located at the mouth of Sxwayum. In one Snuneymuxw story, a small duck came down to feed at the mouth of the river, but the loon would not let him. Haals, the creator, saw this. The duck returned to the rocks and Haals gave him power. When the small duck met the loon again, they dived down together and fought underwater until the small duck won. Sxwayum means duck.

Creatures from Snuneymuxw stories are cut into four steel fence panels around the playground: swakwun (loon), sce:lhtun (coho salmon), q? ullha´numucun (killer whale) and c?usqun, spe? eth, sce:lhtun (eagle, bear and salmon). Trace the shapes of the creatures with your hands to experience them! From a Coast Salish perspective, these animals offer great gifts: protection, kindness and wisdom.

Noel Brown is a renowned artist and a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Brown began carving professionally in 1995 and received inspiration from James Lewis, a prominent Northwest Coast carver. His
style has also been guided by the teachings of Richard Baker and Matthew Baker. His artwork is on display at prominent locations, including
the Nanaimo Museum, Vancouver Island University and elsewhere in this park.

Search Again