Connecting Canada
Local Artists give TELUS Fleet an Inspiring New Look
Feb 7, 2022
In 2021 TELUS embarked on a program to refresh vehicle branding from coast to coast to coast. Reflecting our broader commitment to reconciliation, we partnered with Xwei’;ya (Deanna Marie Point), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Fred Jackson, Ch’iyáqtel (Tzeachten) to tell their stories and showcase their art on some of our vehicles in the Vancouver and Chilliwack areas, respectively. We invite you to learn more about Xwei’;ya and Fred and the inspiration behind their art.
In alignment with our commitment to reconciliation, we are striving to deepen relationships forged through connectivity as we continue to explore creative methods of collaboration to amplify Indigenous artists' voices, and talent.
In November 2021, we released our public action plan to formalize our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. Guided by Indigenous voices and Indigenous-led frameworks of reconciliation, the plan is based on four pillars that we believe can drive meaningful change. Read more about our guiding pillars and commitments to reconciliation
here
. Spring has Sprung
By Xwei’;ya | Deanna Marie Point, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)
I am from xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), in Vancouver, BC and I am a First Nations artist. Growing up with a mother who was a Master Coast Salish weaver and a father who was a carver gave me an early education in traditional art—a foundation for my studies in silver carving, First Nations art and its history. My work includes a mural, logos and custom pieces.
“Seelthkey” is inspired by a story my great-grandfather told, of a monster who lived in a bog called Mumquaam, near my ancestral home. It is said that this creature was so powerful, plants would wither when it passed, and the ones that grew from its droppings were called Muthkwey or as they’re known in English, bullrushes. They’re a powerful part of our identity because Musqueam, the name of my people, means ‘people of the river grass’. Nature is spiritual to us; frogs are seen as the harbingers of Spring and new beginnings, while hummingbirds are the messengers that connect us all. It’s a tale that connects me to my family and connects my people to our land.
Deanna’s art
will be showcased on 7 vehicles that serve the Vancouver and North Vancouver area.Connect with Deanna here
Facebook
Instagram
. Learn more about Musqueam Indian Band
.Moonlight Shadows
By Fred Jackson, Ch’iyáqtel (Tzeachten First Nation)
I am a First Nations artist from Ch’iyáqtel (Tzeachten), located to the east of the Metro Vancouver area, near Chilliwack, BC. Exploring my artistic abilities from a young age, I was heavily influenced by the world in which I was raised—and as such, my work is often born from a reflection of myself in these natural surroundings.
Moonlight Shadows draws inspiration from wolves, and their natural connectivity. Strong, caring, intelligent, they're pack animals who are comforted by connection, using sound, smell and instinct to move through the night as one. They’re loyal, too—Alpha and Omega partners for life, with strong bonds that connect them generationally, so their young can learn to care for one another and survive this walk of life.
Fred’s art
will be showcased on 2 vehicles that serve the Chilliwack area. Learn more about Tzeachten First Nation
.TELUS' commitment to artistic integrity
We are committed to supporting the artistic practices of Indigenous Peoples, while being mindful of the historic role organizations have played in the misappropriation of Indigenous art and culture. We have an obligation and responsibility to ensure that TELUS’ use of Indigenous art in our digital and physical spaces is respectful of Indigenous artists. TELUS works with each artist to ensure that they retain full intellectual property and control over their work.
