“In this Together,” is an original and inspired artwork created by local artists, children, youth, and their families. Directed by artist and knowledge keeper, Jillian Currie, this piece seeks to represent all Indigenous, Inuit, Metis, Cree, Coast Salish and Anishnaabe people that live on the Katzie First Nation and Kwantlen First Nation Territory.

The plank illustrates a full circle from top to bottom, from land to water to sky to spirit, from Metis to Cree to Inuit to Coast Salish and all Anishnaabe, completed lovingly by many nations, many backgrounds, and many hearts.

In love and in the spirit of reconciliation, many who work and care for our Indigenous children, youth and families participated in the effort to create this piece that represents the excellent work that is being done here at Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services. This plank represents our commitment to represent, support, and stand with all Indigenous Peoples whom we are thankful to be able to share this land with and walk together with.

All visual elements in this piece reference indigenous iconography. The bottom, stone, earth, and the connection to the land was inspired by the Inuit’s ‘Inukshuk’ word meaning a human being but used as a helper and navigation guide.

The Metis flowers have been intertwined throughout the plank four times to show the rich mixed heritage of the Metis people.

The Ojibway bird and flower represent the growth from the land and the nature that supports us, the birds that fly above us, the butterfly that transforms us.

The Wolf and the children are an inspired Coast Salish design and symbolize loyalty, strong family ties, good communication, education, understanding and intelligence and successful hunting. The children on the bottom are protected by the elders on top. Twins are sometimes seen as harmony and balance.

The Orca is representing the waters that flow through our life with a large heart that is within us all. The Orca is the guardian of the ocean, a connection to the the natural world and ancestral spirits.

The Inuit inspired Sun and Moon, the start and end of a day, the air to our life. The top, the creator, and ancestors collectively represent masculinity and femininity working together to sustain life.

We are grateful to all who helped create this work of art to celebrate Indigenous culture and honour the stolen lands in which we all depend on.

Jillian Currie was born and raised in Northern British Columbia and is a proud Metis artist and Knowledge Keeper that now resides as a guest on the Katzie First Nation Territory in the Fraser Valley.

I majored in Aboriginal Studies at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. Immersing myself within these studies opened my eyes to the struggles that my people have endured throughout Colonization. It became my passion to make changes in my community for my people. I decided to become an advocate for those that felt they did not have a voice of their own. I have worked within the School District, local community, and Corrections. I support our Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and offenders. Many of us believe that it is pertinent to educate and rehabilitate in order for our society to become one. This will not happen until we gain our sense of belonging once again. To regain our culture and traditions, something that we once lost.

Sharing our culture creates curiosity

That curiosity creates conversation

That conversation creates knowledge

That knowledge creates understanding

That understanding creates compassion

That compassion will create change

When we say, “all my relations,” it is meant to embrace all and rekindle community

~Jillian Currie~

Ravens Vision’s mission is to ignite a transformative journey towards cultural resurgence, community revitalization, and individual empowerment. We are committed to preserving and enhancing the rich heritage of the indigenous peoples of Turtle Island by providing accessible programs and services that foster healing, cultural connection, and passion.

We aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, fostering empowered tomorrows where every person, regardless of background, has access to the transformative power of cultural enrichment.