All the shape from the head to the ear to the eye, beak, cheek, the neck, the feathers, the shoulder, the tail, the talons all have designs of Coast Salish and that's what represents us, the Coast Salish people and the colours are what represents UBC as well as the animal, the Thunderbird.'ĭeanna-Marie's version of the Thunderbird represents a significant milestone in the relationship between UBC and the Musqueam people, whose land UBC's Vancouver campus is situated on.įor decades, UBC has been associated with the Thunderbirds nickname and have used it with permission from the Kwakwa_ka_'wakw people since a ceremonial gifting in 1948. The artist noted how the artwork brings together Musqueam and UBC in a single form, 'The piece that represents Musqueam is the actual Coast Salish drawing itself. And I have so much respect for the team that chose my art piece and that help work with me.'įrom left to right: UBC managing director of athletics and recreation Kavie Toor, Musqueam artist Deanna-Marie Point, Musqueam councillor Gordon Grant, Musqueam director of treaty, lands and resources Leona Sparrow. And I'm speechless that this has happened. And I wanted them to be proud of me as a growing artist. Over 4,000 students are expected to get up close and personal as they climb over the wall, while thousands more will watch the event as it runs through Wednesday, March 22.Īt the unveiling, Deanna-Marie shared a few words about her art: 'I wanted to do my best to represent my community, Musqueam, through my art. The event and its walls are virtually impossible to miss, making this an ideal debut for the art. The artwork, titled 'Thunderbird Takes Flight', is drawn by Musqueam emerging artist Deanna-Marie Point and is being showcased on one of the massive 12-foot walls of UBC's long-running Storm the Wall event.

Story Links VANCOUVER, BC, MaThe University of British Columbia's Athletics and Recreation department unveiled an exciting new piece of Musqueam artwork as part of its Thunderbirds story on Monday, March 13th.

Thunderbird animal logo