Mountains of the Sea to Sky Poster
As seen in the Squamish Chief.
If you live in the Sea to Sky, you know how special the drive down the highway is. Even more special, is when you have actually hiked most of them mountains you see along the way. From West Van to Pemberton, the Sea to Sky features some very special landmarks, that I wanted to have all in one place in the form of a poster.
As a settler, and elementary school teacher on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Land, I recognize the importance of the historical moment we are in. On my reconcilation journey as a White settler, I believe it is my job to learn the language and culture of the people whose lands I live on. What better names to learn than the original names of he mountains I consider Home?
Recognizing the effects of cultural appropriation, and knowing that I would wanted to sell my posters, I didn’t want to incorporate the Squamish Language without asking permission first.
After a long search for the right people, the Squamish Nation Language and Cultural Affairs Department approved the use of their language and provided some helpful translation details and spelling corrections.
Because it is not my language and I profit from each sale, some proceeds of each sale will be given back to the Squamish Nation through an internal scholarship that helps support Squamish Nation members in learning their language.
Specs
Now available in TWO standard sizes:
16x20”
11x14"
-frame not included
-shipped in 24x2” Kraft tubePrinted in Squamish on high quality matte paper.
Please expect 5-7 days of processing time before your order is shipped.
As seen in the Squamish Chief.
If you live in the Sea to Sky, you know how special the drive down the highway is. Even more special, is when you have actually hiked most of them mountains you see along the way. From West Van to Pemberton, the Sea to Sky features some very special landmarks, that I wanted to have all in one place in the form of a poster.
As a settler, and elementary school teacher on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Land, I recognize the importance of the historical moment we are in. On my reconcilation journey as a White settler, I believe it is my job to learn the language and culture of the people whose lands I live on. What better names to learn than the original names of he mountains I consider Home?
Recognizing the effects of cultural appropriation, and knowing that I would wanted to sell my posters, I didn’t want to incorporate the Squamish Language without asking permission first.
After a long search for the right people, the Squamish Nation Language and Cultural Affairs Department approved the use of their language and provided some helpful translation details and spelling corrections.
Because it is not my language and I profit from each sale, some proceeds of each sale will be given back to the Squamish Nation through an internal scholarship that helps support Squamish Nation members in learning their language.
Specs
Now available in TWO standard sizes:
16x20”
11x14"
-frame not included
-shipped in 24x2” Kraft tubePrinted in Squamish on high quality matte paper.
Please expect 5-7 days of processing time before your order is shipped.
As seen in the Squamish Chief.
If you live in the Sea to Sky, you know how special the drive down the highway is. Even more special, is when you have actually hiked most of them mountains you see along the way. From West Van to Pemberton, the Sea to Sky features some very special landmarks, that I wanted to have all in one place in the form of a poster.
As a settler, and elementary school teacher on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Land, I recognize the importance of the historical moment we are in. On my reconcilation journey as a White settler, I believe it is my job to learn the language and culture of the people whose lands I live on. What better names to learn than the original names of he mountains I consider Home?
Recognizing the effects of cultural appropriation, and knowing that I would wanted to sell my posters, I didn’t want to incorporate the Squamish Language without asking permission first.
After a long search for the right people, the Squamish Nation Language and Cultural Affairs Department approved the use of their language and provided some helpful translation details and spelling corrections.
Because it is not my language and I profit from each sale, some proceeds of each sale will be given back to the Squamish Nation through an internal scholarship that helps support Squamish Nation members in learning their language.
Specs
Now available in TWO standard sizes:
16x20”
11x14"
-frame not included
-shipped in 24x2” Kraft tubePrinted in Squamish on high quality matte paper.
Please expect 5-7 days of processing time before your order is shipped.
Photo by Nina LaFlamme Photography
The inspiration for this poster struck while I was driving along the Sea to Sky, spotting my familiar mountain landmarks on the way home to Squamish:
Anvil Island… Sedgewick… Murrin Hill… Garibaldi… The Chief…
These mountains connect us along the Sea to Sky corridor, and I wanted to create a piece of art that reflects that unity.
What better way to celebrate these landmarks than by honoring their original Sḵwx̱wú7mesh names?
It’s important to note that some mountains don’t have translations in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim, and others lack traditional names, as they may not hold significance for the Squamish Nation. Tragically, some names and knowledge may have been lost due to the devastating effects of residential schools on Indigenous languages and cultural practices.
The names we do know are fascinating and thought-provoking. From “Dirty Place” to “Landing Place of the Thunderbird,” these names invite curiosity and inspire deeper respect for the land we call home. I hope this poster encourages others to ask more questions, seek out Indigenous knowledge, and learn more about the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw people.
Huy chexw’a to the creators and language speakers of SquamishAtlas.com, and to the Squamish Nation’s Language and Culture Department for guiding me to the right resources. The capacity fee doesn’t fully express my gratitude for sharing your knowledge and culture with me.
