Nekú Netsí Kezhi (our home and native …

Photo: of an art installation called Nekú Netsí Kezhi (our home and native land)
Vancouver City Centre

Nekú Netsí Kezhi (our home and native land)

By Krystle Coughlin

Photo by Rachel Topham

Nekú Netsí Kezhi (our home and native land) is a photomontage of images taken in Vancouver, using forms representing simplified northern First Nations formline design elements and beads. The complex interconnecting forms are symbolic of the complications of reconciliation – the diverse elements do not create a single complete form. The abstract nature of the design is also meant to be celebratory in the context of Canada 150+: Strengthening Our Relations, Vancouver’s celebration of relationships among indigenous peoples and all Canadians.

“Nekú Netsí Kezhi” translates to “our home and native land” in the Northern Tutchone language, the language of the artist’s maternal grandmother. This line from the Canadian anthem is important as it alludes to the duality of home and land ownership.

A public artwork commissioned by the City of Vancouver Public Art Program in partnership with the Canada Line – InTransit BC.