Artist Statement: This art piece depicts two Coast Salish thunderbirds surrounding a human figure in the middle. Thunderbirds are symbols of power, protection and strength. The supernatural powers of the thunderbird spirits come to help the people and they provide spiritual protection. When they flap their wings, thunder and lightning strikes. It is said they can take human form, and when they do they lift their heads up as shown in the design. The human in this art piece represents Two-Spirit people because they bring special gifts to the world and offer spiritual medicine to the people of this earth walk. Because Two-Spirit people are non-binary, they bring a balance to the world that would not otherwise be present. The combination of thunderbird and Two-Spirit people represents transformation. Their healing powers are very much needed on this earth.
MURALS &
STREET ART
Two-Spirit Rising
Artist: Margaret August
Location: 1203 Davie Street
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge with gratitude that this work takes place on the traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.