We are thrilled to introduce Meadowridge School’s first on-campus Indigenous art installation, a symbol of our respect and appreciation for their rich culture and connection to the natural world. Designed by John Spence, a member of the Squamish and Haida Nation, the hummingbird represents courage, determination, resilience, love, hope, and strength.
The Hummingbird Story
As told by John Spence, Squamish and Haida Nation
Deep in the forest one day, the animals spotted an out-of-control fire that was getting closer and closer to them. Two deer sat and watched as the animals ran past them. “Run for your lives!” they shouted. Just before the two deer were about to run, they noticed a hummingbird flying towards the fire. “There’s a fire over that way!” they yelled to the hummingbird, but the hummingbird zoomed past them and kept going. A few minutes later, they saw the hummingbird coming back from the fire and about to go back in again. The deer yelled, “Stop!” and the hummingbird halted. The deer asked the hummingbird, “What are you doing? Why do you keep going back into the fire?”. The hummingbird said with a tiny mouth full of water, “I’m trying to put out the fire”.
The Hummingbird Story inspires and evokes many positive thoughts and feelings: courage, determination, resilience, love, care, strength, heroism, and hope.
"As an Indigenous educator teaching at Meadowridge School for the past four years, I am both grateful and proud to witness the growth, open-mindedness, and connection to Indigenous history and culture. This visual representation stands not only as a reminder of the beautiful art and story but also as a very important move towards relationship building, which is at the heart of reconciliation."
- Charlene Smoke (Grade 5 Teacher, Primary Years Programme, Indigenous Education Committee Chair)