“The Eagle is highly respected within our culture. It is a symbol of our spiritual connection to the natural world. The Eagle has long been connected to us and carries our prayers to the Creator. Our guardian in life, we look to the teachings he offers us.

“The Eagle is beautiful and graceful with the never ending strength to survive. Over the years as an artist I have learned from our ancestors’ old artworks. It is important to me that this design was strongly influenced by these old masterpieces.”

Those were the words of Stz’uminus artist John Marston when his artwork for the new Salish Class vessel for BC Ferries was unveiled in Ladysmith on Sept. 14. His design will adorn the Salish Eagle ferry which is currently under construction in Poland.

The Salish Eagle will go into regular service on the Tsawwassen-Victoria route in 2017. Two other Coast Salish artists have designed artwork for the Orca and the Raven vessels that will also sail next summer. The Orca will be on the Comox-Powell River route while the Raven will serve the southern Gulf Islands.

The First Peoples’ Cultural Council worked with BC Ferries on the competition for artists whose artworks will be displayed on the hulls as well as inside the vessels.

“Gliding along the Salish Sea, the Salish Eagle is shifting from our ancient roots into a time where our history is coming alive into the forefront of our modern society.” – John Marston