‘Granddaughters,' 2013. Acrylic on wood. 6ft. X 40ft. Stanley Park.
While marking 125 years of Stanley Park, what deeper stories of nature and community come to light?
Three grandmothers, three granddaughters, and dozens of park visitors reflected on their relationships to place through the lens of local medicinal plants, sharing stories that connect generations and ways of knowing.
Elders from the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Nations shared stories of their connection to the land where Stanley Park now stands—recalling events from before, during, and after the park’s creation. These stories were paired with teachings about local medicinal plants and passed on to younger leaders. Over four months, more than 100 participants helped create a 6' x 40' mural, split by 5 panels, rooted in intergenerational learning and relationship to nature and place.
Commissioned by Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) and Vancouver Parks and Recreation, the mural was initially censored by both institutions due to concerns about its content. After years of conversations on the matter, three of the five panels were installed in 2020. In 2024, SPES issued a formal apology to the Granddaughters team. Efforts are now underway to reflect on the past and move toward publicly exhibiting the two remaining panels.
Facilitators: Rachelle George, Senaqwila Wyss, Crystal Sparrow, Mutya Macatumpag.
Elders: Amy George, Judi Sparrow, Audrey Rivers
Lead Facilitator: Melanie Schambach
Partner organizations: Stanley Park Ecology Society and Vancouver Parks and Recreation
Funded by: Stanley Park Anniversary Nature House Mural Celebration Grant