Overview
Mack Paul (xwməθkwəy̓əm) developed the Coast Salish Two Spirit Pride symbol as a visual representation of Coast Salish Two Spirit unity, dignity and respect.
The design was created using traditional Coast Salish art style and shapes, and emulates the rainbow Pride symbol already used by settler LGBTQ+ friends. It was created to support Two Spirit/Indigenous LGBTQ+ programming in our communities, and to acknowledge the land, identities and experiences of Two Spirit ancestors and relatives.
SYMBOLISM: Red represents Fire; Orange represents Vision or Visibility for Two Spirit People; Yellow is the Sun; Green shows the Land, where our Identity comes from; Blue represents Water; and Purple depicts the məθkwəy̓ plant (in the territory where Mack is from), but it also represents the ecosystems of different Coast Salish territories. The rainbow design is cradled by Coast Salish clouds.
By collaborating with the artist, UBC and the project members sought to:
Through this project, we’ve collectively sought to:
- signify the partnership between Musqueam and UBC in working together to increase visibility of the Two-Spirit community;
- acknowledge the history of the traditional, ancestral and unceded land of the Musqueam people on which UBC campus sits and to acknowledge how the history of this land has long celebrated diverse identities;
- celebrate and amplify Two-Spirit pride through a vibrant, colourful installation in UBC’s public realm;
- challenge patterns of silence to create a more visibly welcoming, safer and non-exclusionary campus community for all, but especially those who are Indigenous and express diverse sexual and gender identities;
- inspire and empower community through art and ideas and by creating an inclusive and identifiable place, linked to other Musqueam installations, buildings and programming on campus, that allowsfor reflection, gathering and programming and where others can bring to life their own events and experiences as inspired by the Two-Spirit symbol;
- support the goals and objectives of the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan and the UBC Inclusion Action Plan, including the StEAR Framework and Roadmap for Change.
About the mosaic
The mosaic was produced and installed by Liz Calvin, based on and reproducing Mack Paul’s print design.
The mosaic artwork is approximately 56 square feet (or 7 feet by 8 feet). The tile used is Daltile “Natural Hues”, a commercial grade interior/exterior tile with a very low water absorption rate, considered suitable for this application and successfully demonstrated in previous tiled public art installations.
The mortar used is Mapei* Keralastic/Kerabond System, a two-part premium grade mortar and acrylic latex additive system. The exceptional bond and flexural strength as well as the exceptional freeze/thaw durability make this product combination a great mortar system.
Grout used will be a Mapei product as well, Ultracolor Plus with Polymer. This premium grout reduces surface absorption, to help repel water, dirt and grim from penetrating grout joints. The application of grout sealer manufactured by Stonetech is the final step in the installation process. The contractor considered this to be the best water-based sealer on the market, repelling water, liquids and most stains with its patented microbond sealant technology.