Indigenous art makes its mark onboard the Mark V trains
Indigenous art makes its mark onboard the Mark V trains
The Mark V train is packed with new features, and it is the longest train in our fleet.
Elements of the train are inspired by the region and Canada, including hockey stick-shaped headlights.
Unique to each car is Indigenous artwork decorating select windscreens. These panels, located near the doors, separate the seating area from the doorway.
We commissioned five local Indigenous artists to create a unique design for each of the five cars:
- Car 1: Journey by Canoe: Paddling Through Salish Seas by Atheana Picha
- Car 2: Hummingbird’s Dance by Rain Pierre (sɬə́məx)
- Car 3: Path of the Ancestors, Path of Our Future by Rosemarie Williams
- Car 4: Swooping Eagle by Darryl Blyth
- Car 5: Clearing the Path Forward by Brandon Gabriel
Here’s what inspired them and the stories behind the art:
Journey by Canoe: Paddling Through Salish Seas
Artist: Atheana Picha | Kwantlen
This design depicts traditional travel using a Chinook-style canoe common along the coast. The paddler navigates rolling waves filled with repeating Salish forms under a cloudy sky — a reminder of safe travels and perseverance on life’s journeys.
About the artist
Atheana Picha is a Coast Salish artist from Kwantlen First Nation with ancestral ties to Tsartlip. Named Nash’mene’ta’naht (“Go-getter Woman”) by Gerry Oleman (St’át’imc) and Xwii Xwa (“Echo”) by Shane Pointe (Musqueam), she works primarily in two-dimensional media and apprentices in Salish wool weaving and silver engraving. Her practice is rooted in observing nature, studying traditional designs, and learning from elders and teachers.
Hummingbird’s Dance
Artist: Rain Pierre (sɬə́məx) | Kwantlen
The artwork reflects the lively dance of the hummingbird, symbolizing the importance of appreciating life’s fleeting beauty. Like the unique hummingbird, capable of flying backwards, every day offers distinctive moments worth cherishing.
About the artist
Rain Pierre (sɬə́məx), an Indigenous artist from Katzie First Nation, transitioned from civil engineering to art after a profound personal awakening. Rain dedicates himself to inspiring others through collaborative murals and teaching spray-paint techniques, emphasizing authentic creativity and positive community impact. If his style feels familiar, it might be because you’ve seen his work before at King George Station.
Swooping Eagle
Artist: Darryl Blyth | Musqueam
Because the SkyTrain is elevated, the imagery reflects flight and speed. A swooping eagle was chosen to embody these qualities. Bold, separate shapes in a single colour are used, with positive and negative space playing a significant role to build a clean, striking visual. The composition conveys a strong sense of dynamic motion and intensity. The eagle dives forward, claws extended, bringing power and presence to the pillar.
“It was such a cool opportunity to be one of the first artists with work inside a SkyTrain is something I’ll always remember,” says Darryl.
“I’m really honoured to be part of this group. Everyone brought something unique, and I’m proud to have my work alongside theirs.”
About the artist
Darryl Blyth is an Indigenous artist and Musqueam member residing in South Surrey, B.C. Influenced by family encouragement, particularly from his great uncle Howard Grant, Darryl focuses on illustration and graphic design. He actively participates in cultural art projects to represent and celebrate his heritage.
Path of the Ancestors, Path of Our Future
Artist: Yususult (Rosemarie Williams) | Squamish
The design draws from traditional Coast Salish wool weaving, inspired by the Siyam (respected person/Chief) blanket. It represents the mountains, waterways, and ancestral connections of the North Shore and inlet.
The artwork encourages viewers to learn about Indigenous histories and ongoing issues. This includes child welfare, the Sixties Scoop, Residential Schools, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Two-Spirit individuals, access to clean water, healthcare, and infrastructure — issues that Chief Joe Capilano advocated for over a century ago. True reconciliation requires acknowledgment of these truths.
“We get a lot of visitors to Vancouver, and many people don’t know the history of this place. This artwork can be a reminder that this is Indigenous land,” explains Yususult. “It’s about putting our stamp out to visitors. It’s Squamish proud.”
About the artist
Yususult (yo-so-sult) Rosemarie Williams is a Coast Salish wool weaver who resides in Wai Wa Kum uxwumixw (Brackendale Village), Squamish, B.C. Inspired by ancestral blankets and traditional cedar weaving, her work captures themes of cultural teachings, landscapes, and ancestral legends. Guided by cultural protocols learned from Chief Janice George and Buddy Joseph, Yususult emphasizes creating art with positivity and intention.
Clearing the Path Forward
Artist: Brandon Gabriel | Kwantlen
This design portrays an ancient Coast Salish narrative about Thunderbird, who was present at Earth’s formation. Thunderbird brought order from chaos and assisted humans in constructing their first longhouse — a transformative event in human history.
“Thunderbird is a very important figure in Coast Salish storytelling, explains Brandon. “It’s a remover of barriers and creator of pathways.
“SkyTrain does the same. It lets people go to work, to school, to pursue what they care about. It felt like the perfect fit.”
About the artist
Brandon Gabriel is an artist from Kwantlen First Nation in Fort Langley, B.C. with over 30 years of experience across diverse mediums, including murals, installations, and digital designs. Educated at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and the Justice Institute of BC, his artwork has been displayed across Canada, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong.
