TransLink’s new SeaBus, the Burrard Chinook, sails its maiden voyage today serving customers across the Burrard Inlet.
TransLink wrapped the Burrard Chinook in art designed by local Indigenous artists, making it the first ever SeaBus displaying an art installation.
Sailing on the shared unceded territories of xʷməθkʷəyə̓m (the Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh Úxwumixw (the Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ, (the Tsleil-Waututh Nation), the vessel’s name and art were selected and designed as a tribute to the Chinook salmon, one of the most iconic species in Pacific waters.
The Chinook salmon has played a central role in life on the West Coast for generations and is a critical part of the ecosystem in the Burrard Inlet and the Pacific Ocean.
Designed by artists Kelly Cannell, Siobhan Joseph, and Angela George from the three local Nations, the art wrap surrounding the exterior of the vessel illustrates the lifecycle of the Chinook salmon, as well as the historical importance of the Chinook salmon to its ecosystem.
A full artist attribution plaque on board the vessel conveys the artists’ design inspiration for SeaBus passengers to appreciate.
“TransLink acknowledges, respects, and celebrates the Indigenous Nations on whose territories we are fortunate to live, work, operate, and serve,” the agency said.
