Walking Together Mural

Painted by Annerose Georgeson and Michael Rees, the mural called “ilho uztoodelh – Walking Together” celebrates shared history between settlers and Indigenous elders.

For the mural design, the GNC put out a call for submissions of meaningful artwork. Saik’uz Elder, Arlene John said, “It took a long time to come up with the design, I just loved the teamwork. So much time was taken to think of the mural elements, to demonstrate what we felt, the meaning behind it. I hope people will see that: the clans, the language. We wanted to portray the values we want to see going forward – more collaboration, more partnerships between Vanderhoof people and Saik’uz people. The bus was a partnership too. We are taking positive steps, we’ve come a long way.”

This location on the corner of Highway 16 and Nechako Ave (Kenney Dam Rd) was chosen as it is commonly used by people waiting for rides to Saik’uz. There was no protection from the elements – sun, rain, wind, or snow – nor were there safe places to sit while waiting. In 2016, with the announcements of the Highway 16 bus routes, the GNC began pursuing the installation of a shelter there. This is seen not only as a shelter from the elements but as a bridge across the barrier that often divides the two communities of Saik’uz and Vanderhoof.

The mural was a collaborative project between the Good Neighbours Committee and the Saik’uz Elders Group, supported by the District of Vanderhoof and Four Rivers Co-op. The transit shelter part of the project came about as a result of meetings with Chief and Council and staff of Saik’uz First Nation, the District of Vanderhoof, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the RCMP.

In 2026, the mural will be moved to another location in Vanderhoof, though the exact location is yet to be determined.