The Vedder Road Roundabout Art Project was a public art partnership between the City of Chilliwack and the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe with the support from Stó:lō Nation to celebrate the history of the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Stó:lō Nation in the spirit of reconciliation and remembrance.

The art sculpture features a traditional Stó:lō / Coast Salish canoe on top of the upper ring, supported by eight traditional paddles. The upper ring is embossed with the Halq’eméylem phrase “Ey kwesé é mi”, along with its English translation “Welcome – It’s good that you are here”. The Coast Salish ring design: “United”, celebrates the abundant waters of the Stó:lō territory, the cycle and return of the Sacred Salmon bringing seasons of renewal, fertility and prosperity together.

Of the eight paddles which support the upper ring and canoe structure, seven have emblems that represent the seven Ts’elxwéyeqw communities and one has the City of Chilliwack logo.

Completing the project is landscaping that reflects the natural Vedder River vegetation.

The artwork was designed by Squiala First Nation Chief David Jimmie and Bon Graham,[b.wyse] (Stó:lō/Snunéymuxw artist), in consultation with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and the Stó:lō Nation Chiefs Council and with support from the Chilliwack Public Art Advisory Committee and City Council.

“We are honored to participate in the design of the artwork which demonstrates our people’s strong historical connection to water. As we strengthen our relationship with the City of Chilliwack, we show our citizens that our community is stronger when we can find common goals and work together,” Chief David Jimmie.