.018 Two Sisters

The two mountain peaks, known widely as the Lions in West Coast British Columbia, were never called that name before the arrival of foreigners. In precolonial time, the Squamish Nation had named the peaks “Ch’ich’iyúy Elxwíkn” (translated as “Two Sisters”) in remembrance of a peace treaty formed by rivalry nations, through intermarriage between two Squamish sisters and two Haida brothers. As the legend unfolded, the Great Transformers would eventually turn the sisters into the soaring landmarks for future generations to remember their act of bravery and selflessness.

Throughout history, storytelling through oral transmission has been an integral part of life of First Nations. It plays an important role in the preservation of their cultural identity, traditional knowledge and collective memories. Mystic, wistful, gentle yet dignified, the story of the Two Sisters was often retold by great orators including Chief Mathias Joe, who shared many ancient tales like this one with others. In response to the call for a gateway sculpture at the entry of a neighbourhood park, in the namesake of the Squamish chief, we explore the First Nation people’s profound connection with the land through the silent expression of a sculpture.

The artwork comprises a pair of aluminum waterjet cut pieces depicting the two sisters of the Squamish legend, and together they define the north gateway leading into the neighbourhood park. In each artpiece, the sillhouette of the sister’s face and their hair is depicted. Their hair is articulated with patterns of berries and salmons to honour the central theme of the legend: peace through celebration and sharing. 

The story was told by Chief Mathias Joe and was later recorded in Pauline Johnson’s Legends of Vancouver (1911).