As part of Phibbs Exchange upgrades project, four local Indigenous artists from nearby Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nation communities were commissioned by the BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Transit to design unique works of public art that now stand tall at the exchange. They offer a way to share the rich culture and traditions of the local First Nations, for everyone passing through Phibbs Exchange to experience and appreciate.

Perception and Integrity by Jordan Gallie

Located at the south-east side of the exchange along Main Street is the artwork titled Perception and Integrity by artist Jordan Gallie from səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

The aluminum sculpture reflects the connection to the sky and land while celebrating the strength of Tsleil-Waututh Nation. The copper-toned design features an eagle, representing Coast Salish ancestors guiding from above, and a wolf, symbolizing the Tsleil-Waututh people walking the Earth today. The artwork was installed and unveiled during a traditional blessing ceremony held in October 2024.

About Jordan Gallie

Gallie’s interest in becoming an artist began at age nine, after seeing First Nations artwork displayed at the Museum of Anthropology. Inspired by Coast Salish art as a child, Gallie hopes his work will inspire future generations while promoting equality and understanding of Indigenous history. “No matter who you are, we’re all equal,” Gallie shared, adding that having his art displayed on traditional territory is a profound honour.

Welcome to ch’ich’exwi7kw by Matthew and Liam Baker

Located at the entrance of Phibbs Exchange are two house post artworks titled Welcome to ch’ich’exwi7kw (pronounced Cheh – chohkh – kwaykh). They were created by a father-son artist team, Matthew and Liam Baker from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

The carvings feature a copper crown symbolizing wealth and cultural significance, with a Bighouse design that includes an eagle, double-headed serpent, bear, salmon, raven, wolf, and X̱wáýx̱way doorway, reflecting spiritual connections, family strength, knowledge, and teachings. X̱wáýx̱way is best translated as “masked dance performance.” The blessing ceremony to unveil the artwork was held on June 2025.

About Matthew and Liam Baker

Matthew and Liam Baker were born and raised on the Xwemélch’stn (Capilano Reserve) located on the North Shore. Proudly carrying on the rich tradition of Coast Salish art, Matthew brings over 40 years of experience passed down from his own father; Matthew’s son Liam now apprentices under him, embracing the traditional Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) artistry that has been passed on through generations.

smenalh by Ses Siyam (Ray Natraoro)

Located at the south-west end of Phibbs Exchange is the artwork titled smenalh (pronounced smeh-NAHL) by First Nation artist and master carver Ses Siyam (Ray Natraoro). The design concept for smenalh comes from the Squamish history of places in and around Phibbs Exchange: Elhkayem and Xwi7xwixway. Xwi7xwixway is connected through family lineage to the village of X̱wáýx̱way in Stanley Park.

The welcome figure in the artwork depicts a woman born at X̱wáýx̱way who is married into a family at Ch’ich’elxwi7kw. She is a woman of high nobility which is why she is wearing a swew7kwelh (Mountain Goat Wool Blanket). Elhkayem translates to place of snakes. It is also said that there were snakes transformed to stone at Elhkayem.

The piece was installed and unveiled in a blessing ceremony held in October 2025.

About Ses Siyam (Ray Natraoro)

Ses Siyam (Ray Natraoro) is from the Northern Tutchone and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). He descends from 7th generation Squamish Nation carvers and was raised immersed in Squamish language and culture. Actively working as an Independent Artist since 1994, Ray now specializes in carving Totem Poles, House Posts, Dugout Canoes, Masks, Bent boxes, Rattles, Pendants & Paddles. He embraces his past and always seeks ways to explore his culture and traditions by utilizing a contemporary style and design to capture his audience.

Phibbs Exchange reopened in May 2024 after extensive upgrades to offer more capacity, better lighting, and improved seating and shelter options for North Shore transit customers. We hope these beautiful works of art make the exchange a warm and inclusive space — especially for Indigenous Peoples who live nearby and travel through our transit system every day.

You can find more artworks on transit across Metro Vancouver using our public art map.