Street Photography by Denis Bouvier

Off the main path along the waterfront of the Olympic Village, barely visible amidst the new spring growth, is “Canada’s North Star.” It’s a beautiful work in stainless steel with an electropolish finish by Squamish First Nations artist Wade Baker. It was inspired by the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. At the heart of the Canadian maple leaf design is the Coast Salish North Star, symbolizing the star one follows on a journey like striving to become an Olympic athlete and the reflecting light that shines not only from the star but from all those who strive for a higher goal. As we can read on the plaque below the sculpture, this work was meant to express respect for First Nations culture and history by Canada in the form of the maple leaf and extend that respect by welcoming the whole world to the 2010 Olympics.

Idle No More, an indigenous grassroots movement, has formed with ideals similar to those which this sculpture represents. Its goals are to revitalize and empower First Nations people. Their members hope through knowledge and activism to instill respect by the Canadian government for their rights. They want to shine light on Bill C-45 which they believe weakens environmental protection of their lands. The shining light of their movement, like the symbol in this work, has reached out to the world.

Let’s hope the symbol represented by this work continues to stay “in the light” and inspire all who see it.

Wade Baker’s sculpture can be found by walking directly towards the water from Terra Breads at Athlete’s Way and Manitoba, just past the bridge and to the left facing the water.

Don Richardson