Celebrating Stories, Strength, and Community
Because of your kindness, a vibrant new Coast Salish mural now brightens the Young Adult Program space at the Coast Mental Health Clubhouse, creating a place of connection, learning, and pride for young adults in our community.
This mural was created by Stó:lō and Nuučaan̓uł artist Kwiis Hamilton, in meaningful collaboration with participants in the Young Adult (YA) Program. Your support, which fully funds the YA Program, made it possible to build an Indigenous-led, relationship-based project rooted in creativity, respect, and shared learning.
More than a work of art, this mural represents what can happen when you invest in young people and in authentic partnerships with Indigenous artists and knowledge-holders.
Through your generosity, participants were invited into a process grounded in Coast Salish teachings, cultural significance, and community connection.
A Mural with Heart and Meaning
Every element in the mural was created with care and intention:
- Wolves and the Moon symbolize protection and guidance
- The Coast Salish blanket patterns represent warmth, care, and belonging
- Salmon reminds us of resilience, determination, and the strength of moving forward together
Together, these images reflect the courage, healing, and shared strength that you help foster within the Coast community.
Young Adult members help to paint the mural.
For young adults in the program, your support created space for meaningful, hands-on learning. One participant shared:
“Working on this mural was a meaningful and grounding experience. Being part of the process — rather than just observing the finished artwork — showed me how much care, intention, and collaboration goes into Indigenous art.
Learning how everything is interconnected made me more aware of the relationships between nature, community, and story.”
Your support also made it possible for participants to learn directly from an Indigenous artist with a deep connection to the land and culture. Seyda Yalcin, Program Coordinator, says,
“This project strengthened community connections and deepened understanding of Indigenous ways of healing. Participants learned not only technical skills, but also from an artist who carries knowledge of the land, culture, and community.”
By supporting the Young Adult Program, you helped create an experience that strengthened cultural understanding, encouraged collaboration, and deepened young people’s connection to the land and communities they call home.
This mural celebrates the power of collaboration and community — made possible through your support.
Your generosity supports Indigenous-led collaboration, uplifts young voices, and makes space for creativity, healing, and belonging to grow. Thank you for making projects like this possible.
About Artist Kwiis Hamiton
Kwiis Hamilton is a Ku’us/Xwlemxew artist from the Hupačasath and Leq’á:mel tribes. His work spans ceremonial arts, regalia, drums, jewelry, prints, and illustration — often centred on Indigenous rights, identity, and traditional knowledge. Rooted in kinship and community teachings, his practice reflects a deep commitment to cultural revitalization and Indigenous sovereignty.
