Limited-edition shirts designed by local Indigenous artist also available in support of Orange Shirt Day

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, TransLink is unveiling new artwork designed by Indigenous artist Shonta Campbell (Kishiqweb). Two SkyTrain cars are wrapped with a powerful design, inspired by stories passed down from the artist’s grandfather, telling the tale of a canoe that saved his life and returned him to his homelands.

The SkyTrain cars will be in service across the Expo Line starting today until next spring. An artist biography and statement will be featured inside each of the two decorated SkyTrain cars.

“The intent behind my artwork is to honour the strength and love that my community embodies,” says Shonta Campbell (Kishiqweb), a Heiltsuk, Anishinaabe, and Wuikinuxv artist. “Intergenerational trauma is an undeniable experience for Indigenous Peoples, but I want to highlight our stories of perseverance, grounded in love for one another, and our connection to our homelands.”

In honour of Orange Shirt Day, limited-edition orange shirts featuring artwork by Taltan Tlingit Nation, Wolf Clan artist Rose Tashoots are available through the TransLink Store. TransLink is a proud partner of the Orange Shirt Day Society, directly supporting the society's important initiatives.

“I hope to be an inspiration for people back home,” says artist and residential school survivor Rose Tashoots. “When people wear this shirt, I want them to engage in positive thinking, especially if they are residential school survivors. Wear it with pride. It supports the residential school survivors.”

The orange heart on the shirt represents the intergenerational trauma of residential schools experienced by Indigenous children and their families. The colour black symbolizes mourning for the children who could not carry on and tell their stories, while white signifies healing and new beginnings for those who survived and lived on to tell their tales.

TransLink honours the survivors and lost children of residential schools and recognizes that in planning and managing the region's transportation system, it has an important role to play in supporting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

“At TransLink, we recognize our role in moving reconciliation forward in meaningful ways,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “Our hope is that these artworks designed by local Indigenous artists Rose Tashoots and Shonta Campbell (Kishiqweb) will remind us of the important and ongoing work that is needed to support reconciliation.”

In August, TransLink announced Route 609 will be extended from sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ/Tsawwassen First Nation to Ladner Exchange, providing more efficient connections and increased frequencies. This service change demonstrates TransLink’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and providing more equitable access to treaty lands and on-reserve communities.

Community gatherings, educational workshops, and Indigenous exhibitions will be displayed throughout Metro Vancouver for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and many events are accessible by transit.

Transit service for Monday, September 30:

• Holiday fares will be in effect. Customers will only need a 1-Zone fare to travel across all zones.
• Bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule.
• West Coast Express will not be operating.
• The TransLink Customer Service Centre, Access Transit Customer Care Office, and Lost Property Office will be closed.

Service returns to regular weekday schedules for all modes on Tuesday, October 1. Regular fares will be in effect.

More information:
Learn more about Rose Tashoots
Learn more about Shonta Campbell

Media downloads:
Additional photos available here

Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca