Kwantlen Creation Story, a six-paneled metal sculpture adorning the Ruskin Dam’s upper half and commissioned by BC Hydro, tells the origin story local to Kwantlen and the Stó꞉lō peoples. It consists of six central figures and moments: Raven and the first sunrise; Thunderbird and the first moonrise; Mountain Goat; Salmon; Frog; and Wolf.

Raven was the primordial being that formed the sun out of the chaotic nothingness and ushered in the very first sunrise. During this time there was a great flood that covered the land reaching to the hills. The waters of the earth rose to such a level that the Salish Sea flooded the whole valley. All the people scrambled to find refuge. Kwantlen was able to mobilize and take their belongings and treasures and load up canoes and find refuge in the mountain around cəsqenelə Golden Ears.

In that very first evening, Thunderbird, or sxʷeʔe’əs who is a great creative being, emerged under the light of the first moon, delivering to the people their first longhouse alongside the knowledge of how to build one. Here, they developed kinship with Mountain Goat, in the glacial snowpack of the alpine region. Mountain Goat shared the first wool for blankets to warm the people and those blankets continue their importance in ceremony today. When the water finally receded, they returned bringing these gifts with them and celebrated.

These first important milestones happened in a time of crisis, and the Kwantlen peoples were borne out of that resilience and adaptability, continuing to manage wild resources to this day. Salmon arrived on the currents and became the most staple food source for all the peoples along the river and continues to sustain them today.

Further animal beings came to bless us with their knowledge. Frog of the amphibians had the ability to walk between worlds, able to see on the ground, in the water, toward the distant land and up into the sky. With Frog’s unrivaled vision they knew what was best for all creatures in all realms whether big or small and hold people to that account. They were given insight into the cosmos and the spiritual realms. They’re lorekeepers and prophetic, seeing into the past, present and future. Some believe they predate even the Raven and Thunderbird (who always get the glory). They remind the people: do not underestimate the small. Despite being so tiny Frog has not just a role, but potentially the greatest role to play.

Finally, Wolves in their packs hunted in the valley and carried the resources of the sea to the land and mountains. Wolves, through the very nature of their being, fertilized the land with those resources. The spreading of natural resources and minerals sparked the rainforests which continue to provide for all. Wolves are messengers, carriers, and couriers; they are the first stewards of the land and taught humans the knowledge and most importantly, the responsibility. From the Wolf, Kwantlen codified its communal crest to carry that responsibility on.

This epic undertaking by Octopus Spirit Enterprises is one of the most epic feats of visual storytelling to be visible from both physical and spiritual realms for decades to come.