sxʷəlməxʷɑʔɬ stəltɑləw̓: Our People’s Rivers
Phyllis’ artwork captures the essence of the Nicomekl River, portraying otters, sturgeon, salmon, canoes, and geese.
Artist: Phyllis Atkins
Location: King George Bridge (Nicomekl)
Category: Civic Collection
Year Installed: 2023
About the Artwork
Phyllis’ artwork captures the essence of the Nicomekl River, portraying otters, sturgeon, salmon, canoes, and geese. This river, with its historical significance as a vital transportation route for Indigenous peoples connecting the Fraser River to the ocean. The design pays homage to the rich natural and Indigenous heritage of the location, symbolizing the diverse wildlife within the river ecosystem. Notably, a wolf canoe and a thunderbird canoe converge at the center, symbolizing a meeting point for two Nations—the wolf being the traditional symbol of Kwantlen and the thunderbird representing the traditional symbol of Semiahmoo.
About the Artist
Phyllis Atkins is an artist from Kwantlen First Nation who works in painting, carving, jewelry-making, and weaving. Her hereditary name (pronounced K-why-deet-za) means “I wear the clouds like a blanket.” Her late father, Joe Gabriel, was the hereditary chief of the Kwantlen. Her mother’s side is from the Shakan Band (Thompson River People). Atkins has taken oil painting lessons from Barbara Boldt and hand-carved silver jewelry lessons from Master Carver Derek Wilson. She is influenced by the deep connection to her ancestors, community, and family. Together, in 2005, she and her husband, Drew Atkins, established their home-based business in Fort Langley, Kʼwyʼiʼyʼe Spring Salmon Studio, where they create both traditional and contemporary Coast Salish art.
