Quw’utsun Art & Community

Since March, our Grade 12 Contemporary Indigenous Studies class has been collaborating with local Quw’utsun artist Shawn Johnny to envision and create a mural designed to bring communities together. As the project has evolved, so too has its meaning.

What began as an opportunity to showcase local Quw’utsun art on campus has grown into something much deeper. Through conversations with Shawn and hearing about his healing journey and the role art has played in his life, this project has become about more than creating a mural. It has become a reflection of healing, reconciliation, and building stronger connections between communities.

The QMS crown — a symbol of our community — will feature the story of Thunderbird and Killer Whale, representing the Quw’utsun people. Rising behind the crown is the sun, symbolizing Quw’utsun (“the warm land”) and the dawn of a new day of reconciliation.

The sun itself has been painted using the handprints of members of our school community, symbolizing our collective commitment to reconciliation and ensuring that everyone has a place in the work and legacy of this mural.

We look forward to a ceremonial unveiling during our Senior School Assembly on June 15.