smə́q́ʷaʔ

Media

Laser-cut yellow cedar

Media

Cast concrete

Artist

Rosalie Dipcsu

Location    

Mundy Park Pool

Date

2025

Statement of Significance

The Great Blue Heron marks a seasonal cycle of renewal. Each Spring, smə́q́ʷaʔ come home to kʷikʷəƛ̓əm lands to nest and care for their young. This powerful guardian of the earth, air and water teaches us to always approach all things with determination, patience, and great inquisitiveness. As you turn this wheel, you will see the three faces of herons that never turn upside down. In the other direction, your patience and inquisitiveness will allow you to see the faces transform into new images.

Background

In the spring of 2023, the City embarked on renovating and expanding the original pool in Mundy Park, formerly called Spani Pool. kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Nation and the City identified the project as an opportunity to work in partnership to incorporate Indigenous cultural recognition for the site, to honour the enduring connection held by the Nation to the lands and waters of Coquitlam. The kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation selected Rosalie Dipcsu (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation) to design these two pieces of cultural recognition. 

About the Artist

Rosalie Dipcsu is a visionary artist and healer from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, whose concepts and colour theories captivate her viewers.  Her innovative graphics, landscapes and designs are balanced alongside an authenticity to her Indigenous culture.