The Su-gigyet public art installation
There’s a stunning new landmark on the Skeena – and it’s one you won’t want to miss on your next drive through the region. The long awaited Su-gigyet public art installation was moved in place over the weekend – and it’s absolutely stunning.
Su-gigyet, meaning “new people” in the Sm’algyax language of the Ts’msyen people, is a beautiful new public art installation located at the roundabout where Highway 16 meets Highway 37 South in Thornhill, BC.
Su-gigyet is the name given to this project by the late Kitselas elder Sm’oogyet Sat-san (Mel Bevan). Its literal translation means “new people” in the Sm’algyax language of the Ts’msyen people. The underlying meaning is “the original people have adopted a new way of doing things.”
Pronunciation:
Su = shoe
gi = gee
gyet = get
A Collaborative Art Installation
The art installation is a contemporary art piece made in collaboration with Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists all from the Skeena region.
It’s a tribute to the deep roots of the Kitselas (Gitselasu) people – the People of the Canyon and honours the salmon that have sustained the people of this river valley since time immemorial.
But it’s also a tribute to the Skeena and the importance of salmon and the river to everyone of all backgrounds that live in the region.
Created through a collaboration between master carver Stan Bevan (Ts’msyen/Tlingit) and his apprentices Brian McKee, Kobe Antoine and Savannah Medeiros. The other lead artists are local carver Roderick Brown, and metal artist, Mike Sorochan. Su-gigyet features three towering carved human figures enshrouded in sculpted aluminum and copper, surrounded by six large salmon carvings. Together, these elements celebrate the five species of Pacific salmon and steelhead that continue to feed, connect, and inspire communities throughout the Skeena region today.
And though the installation makes a huge impression, it has tiny details that show it’s connection to salmon. The centre poll has fish scale accents at the top and a water design on the lower portion. The large fish created by Rod Brown also have aluminum designs overlaid – all inspired by trees along the banks of the river. Subtle small details that root the art installation in place on many different levels.
The Project
This project was led by the Skeena Salmon Arts Festival Society, and paid for through Destination Development funding granted to the society through the Ministry of Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sport in the Province of British Columbia. Other partners include the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, Kitselas First Nation, KYSU, and collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
It’s a beautiful example of how public art can unite Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, tell stories rooted in place, and elevate northwest BC art as fine art.
More than just an art installation, Su-gigyet grounds the Skeena region as a destination. This beautiful piece is located in a place known as Little Canyon, an ancient Kitselas fishing site along the Skeena River, surrounded by the lush rainforest and towering Coast Mountains. Whether you’re a traveller exploring Highway 16, a local resident, or a cultural tourist following BC’s public art trail, it is well worth the stop.
Want to know where the best place is to take a safe look at the installation. Parking is available on the southeast corner of the roundabout where the electric car chargers and parking area is. A Community Corner provides a safe viewing area and is the best place to pause, take a photo, and reflect on the meaning of this artwork. Picnic tables and interpretive signage will be installed in the coming weeks.
If you’re travelling through the Skeena region this summer, make sure Su-gigyet is on your itinerary. This incredible new landmark is a reminder of where we come from, what sustains us, and what connects us all.
