Nil/tu,o 

‍     A mural created for TELUS in the late nineties, (BC Tel) and given a major refurbishing a few years ago, was created in the aftermath of some tragic events on this prominent corner in Sidney, BC.  In an effort to change the character and ambience of that part of town, the phone company put up seed money for a mural that would unite the native and mainstream community, particularly the youth who used to hang out there. The wall was over 70’ long and almost 20’ high.

The artist’s vision for that wall was greater than the budget allowed, so a proposal was put to the town hall, the local Chamber of Commerce, merchants groups, and clubs. As a result, a budget was put together that allowed for the creation of what was at the time the first wall mural with three dimensional effect, created by the use of resins glued to the building. As this was a building full of phone equipment, no metal fasteners whatsoever could be used in its creation. IceBear met multiple times with chief and elders of 

the local Tseykum and other Salish communities, who approved the drawings for this, assisted in providing detailed information for accuracy of all the elements. Also told the stories of their culture and traditions that inspired 

the image itself. 

‍    Unveiling day was a major event, the town closed the road, TV cameras showed up to tape it for broadcast, seniors centre and old folks homes brought in the seniors on a bus that was donated for the event. Local businesses provided refreshments. Young people from the local youth club were on the roof of the building to pull up the tarps when ready, youth from the local First Nations community were out dance a blessing with the support of a huge honor drum and drummers. 

‍    It was the first time that anyone could remember such a joyous social occasion that was joined and witnessed by a hundreds of residents from both local mainstream and First Nations communities. Nil/tu,o became an iconic part of the local landscape, a destination for travelers from all over the world to come for photos . Over the years, as the paint began to fade and the relief elements appeared to be coming disconnected, TELUS decided to have a major refurbishing done. TELUS staff came out to help clean and prepare the wall for the work. When completed, a rededication ceremony was held with many of the same participants as participated in the first event.