Seeds of Hope in Bloom: Celebrating The Springs Art Wall
In October 2024, Inlet United Church (Port Moody, BC) hosted a celebration, marking the successful completion of its transformative 3-year ‘The Springs’ Art Wall Project.
The celebration, which included a Blessing Ceremony and Feast based in Coast Salish tradition, was the culmination of a significant cultural and community effort. Organized by the Inlet Connects and Art Wall Ministry, the event not only honored a powerful work of art but also created an opportunity to build deeper connections with Indigenous culture.
A Vision Comes to Life
The Art Wall Project resulted in a stunning 42-foot by 42-foot Coast Salish mural, designed and installed by Kwantlen Nation artist Nash’mene’ta’naht (Atheana Picha). This mural, featured on the exterior of The Springs, was unveiled during a traditional Blessing Ceremony, supported by funding from the Brian and Belva Piercy Endowment Fund of the United Church of Canada Foundation.
The Blessing Ceremony followed Coast Salish cultural protocols, incorporating meaningful rituals such as the cedar sweeping to cleanse the artist from her work and the giving of gifts to acknowledge the contributions of Indigenous elders and participants in the event. These traditions highlighted the community’s commitment to honoring the cultural significance of the mural and the people involved.
Building Trust Takes Time
One of the key lessons learned was that building trust takes time. Ministry members learned about Indigenous lived experiences and, as a result, adjusted timelines and communication strategies to accommodate these unique needs. The group also developed a deeper understanding of what it means to truly welcome others. In Coast Salish tradition, welcome extends beyond people, encompassing all aspects of creation—animals, plants, water, and the very earth itself. This broad understanding of connection enriched the experience for everyone involved and fostered a deeper sense of unity and appreciation among participants.
Traditionally Celebrating The Springs Art Wall
The Blessing Ceremony and Feast brought together a diverse range of participants, from congregants to local community members and Indigenous leaders. This gathering was a moment of collective healing, and many attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a unique and meaningful event. The project’s central purpose was to create a space for learning, celebration, and connection—a place where community members from different backgrounds could come together to share and grow.
Volunteers contributed in various ways, from knitting blankets for the elders to assisting with meal preparations and clean-up. Their efforts ensured that the event not only ran smoothly but also reflected the collective spirit of the community. The Blessing Ceremony and Feast were further enriched by the involvement of Indigenous community members. Cultural Liaison Tasha Faye Evans played a pivotal role in establishing relationships with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. In accordance with Coast Salish tradition, gifts and honoraria were presented to Indigenous elders, speakers, drummers, and other facilitators. This gesture of respect helped to reinforce the deep commitment to acknowledging and appreciating Indigenous knowledge and contributions to the event.
Looking Ahead: Lasting Impact
The Art Wall Project’s impact will extend far beyond the completion of the mural. Over the course of the project, approximately 200 people participated in various activities related to the creation of the mural and the ceremonies that followed. For these individuals, the mural will serve as a lasting reminder of the shared experiences, relationships, and lessons learned throughout the project.
In addition to the physical artwork, the long-term legacy of the project lies in the relationships built and the lessons imparted. These connections will continue to resonate within the Port Moody community, helping to foster a greater sense of belonging, understanding, and reconciliation. Every time community members see the mural; they will recall the collaborative effort that brought it to life and the community’s commitment to healing.
Minister Jennifer Swanson and other members of the Inlet United Church Art Wall Ministry see the mural as a powerful symbol of the congregation’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive space. It serves as a visual representation of the community’s dedication to fostering positive relationships, healing, and unity.
Through this project, Inlet United Church has not only created a beautiful piece of public art but also established a lasting legacy of respect, reconciliation, and connection. It has proven that by working together, communities can heal, grow, and celebrate their shared history and future.
Plant Your Own Seeds of Hope… and Watch Them Bloom!
The United Church of Canada Foundation offers a wide variety of grant opportunities for United Church of Canada organizations and individuals to bring life to the mission and values of the United Church. These grants are a part of the stewardship of our trusts and endowments, made possible by the generosity of donors. The Seeds of Hope granting program awards approximately one million dollars each year to support innovative United Church projects.
