Posted by ReyFort Media
Surrey, B.C. – Surrey Libraries and the City of Surrey are proud to celebrate the addition of five new Indigenous murals in the children’s area of the City Centre branch, created by Indigenous artists from Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo First Nations. The murals honour Indigenous stories, teachings, and cultural presence, while creating a welcoming and inspiring space for children and families at the Library.
The murals were unveiled at a community celebration held at the City Centre branch of Surrey Libraries and reflect Surrey’s ongoing commitment to public art, reconciliation, and creating inclusive civic spaces.
“These murals help ensure that Indigenous presence is visible, celebrated, and woven into everyday community life,” said Mayor Brenda Locke at the unveiling ceremony. “They provide children and families with a chance to encounter culture, history, and identity in a creative and welcoming way — right here in one of the busiest public spaces in our city.”
“These vibrant and meaningful artworks will inspire imagination, spark curiosity, and create a deeper sense of cultural presence in this space,” said Lisa Werring, Chair of the Surrey Libraries Board of Trustees. “Each mural brings forward stories that reflect strength, resilience, wisdom, creativity, and deep connection to land and culture.”
About the Murals and Artists
- The Gift of Flight by Rain Pierre (Katzie First Nation)
This mural reflects the importance of Katzie waterways, transforming water into eagle wings to symbolize cultural empowerment, adaptability, and the honouring of women as lifegivers.
- Storytellers by Natache Gabriel (Kwantlen First Nation)
Featuring an owl and a bear, this mural represents wisdom, strength, and family, celebrating storytelling as a cornerstone of learning and imagination in the Library.
- SKWA WACH: The Sturgeon by Roxanne Charles and Easton Arnouse (Semiahmoo First Nation)
This collaborative work honours the sturgeon, once a vital food source for the Semiahmoo people, highlighting its cultural significance and its role in the ecosystem.
- Sacred Paint: Flight of the Hummingbirds by Brandon Gabriel Kwelexwelsten (Kwantlen First Nation; with family ties to Shackan, Nlaka’pamux, and St’ail’es Nations)
The mural tells the story of the hummingbird, a story about cooperation and perseverance, where small acts inspire collective action to overcome great challenges.
- ȻEN,TOEL: Being Together by Joan Williams (Semiahmoo First Nation)
Depicting children reading together, this piece celebrates storytelling as a way to spark imagination, connection, and a future rooted in knowledge of the past.
The murals join Indigenous artworks at five other Surrey Libraries branches and represent an ongoing effort to honour Indigenous voices and acknowledge the Nations on whose lands Surrey Libraries operates.
The Library invites the public to come see the murals in person to celebrate Indigenous stories and artistic expression.
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For more information:
Kim Davies
Director, Communications and Advancement
604-598-7423
ReyFort Media 
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