March 4 2025
New Indigenous Mural at the BCMEA Dispatch Centre Depicts Deep Coastal Connections聽聽
The BCMEA Dispatch Centre in Vancouver has a striking new look. Artist Darryl Blyth, from the Musqueam Indian Band, was commissioned to transform the Dispatch Centre with a mural symbolizing unity, inclusivity and cultural safety.
This inspiring local artist is known for blending contemporary design with traditional Coast Salish artwork, creating striking images packed with symbolism and deep meaning. His transformational, hand-painted mural was installed on north-facing wall on Franklin Street, just off Clark Drive last year and was officially unveiled in a special ceremony in early 2025.
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The mural titled “Oceans Together” depicts two orca whales swimming alongside a marine vessel, rendered in a neotraditional Coast Salish style using ovoids, trigons, and crescents. At its core the image symbolizes the sharing of our oceans. The orca whales, travelling with their family, represent our respect for nature, while the marine vessel symbolizes the maritime industry that connects B.C to the world.
For generations, Indigenous communities have shaped the maritime industry with their knowledge, skills and cultural traditions. The Musqueam people have lived in the Fraser River estuary, including much of Metro Vancouver, since time immemorial. Darryl himself has strong links to the coast as his father was a Local 1 marine worker.
Darryl was chosen following input from the BCMEA, ILWU and representatives from Indigenous communities. His stirring artwork has been chosen by many organizations and causes including the Orange Shirt Society, SeaSpan, the Vancouver Canucks and the Vancouver International Marathon Society.
The mural project was undertaken as part of the BCMEA鈥檚 commitment to elevate efforts on the path to reconciliation, in recognition of the principles in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #92.
The mural contributes to the BCMEA鈥檚 and our members ongoing dedication to advance reconciliation, acting as a visual reminder to encourage all to engage and learn about Indigenous contributions to the maritime sector.鈥�疘t represents the legacy of the maritime industry and our shared commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates the interconnectedness of our communities and the importance of honoring Indigenous peoples as we work towards a shared future.
We hope his latest creation at the Dispatch Centre will cause you to stop, admire and reflect on the rich connections between Indigenous peoples and the maritime community.