3 minute read
Hummingbird art unveiled
BY MARINA SACHT
There’s a hummingbird in the Nanaimo Airport. But don’t open the window. It won’t fit. It’s big. And beautiful.
On April 9, 2025, at a private ceremony, the Nanaimo Airport (YCD) unveiled the 'Hummer' Panel, a new Coast Salish hummingbird carving, crafted by Stz'uminus artist Jason Harris. The piece, commissioned by the airport, graces the screening area of the airport terminal building, serving as a powerful cultural symbol and a warm welcome to travellers. In attendance were Stz’uminus Nation Chief John Elliott, Cowichan Tribes Chief Cindy Daniels and other dignitaries.
Representing the Nanaimo Airport Commission were President and CEO Dave Devana, Board Chair Colleen Johel, Board Vice Chair Garth Busch and Board Secretary Mark Taylor, who expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to share this moment with the Stz'uminus Nation.
Davena thanked Jason for enhancing the Nanaimo Airport. “This carving is not only a beautiful work of art, but also a symbol of collaboration between the Nanaimo Airport Commission and Stz'uminus First Nation as we work together towards reconciliation goals.”
Traditional singing by Beverly David, Daniella David, and George Harris added to the celebration.
Jason, who was visibly moved, thanked his friend, renowned Coast Salish artist Luke Marston, for his support and guidance in the project. “I never used a router before, and that router was really big and heavy.” He was worried that he’d put a hole in the wood, but “Luke guided me on what to do.”
Jason started work on the hummingbird work two years ago. “I did about three or four designs, and they picked the one that we’re about to see,” he said.
Jason grew up watching his father carve but had no interest in it until a carving course came up and his dad convinced him to take it with him. It was with the late, master carver, Simon Charlie.
“We thought it was just going to be small carvings. But we started off by making our own knives, and then we started little plaques, and then, the carver says, ‘Your next project is a totem pole.’ Everyone kind of laughed, and we’re like, ‘Yeah, right — a totem pole.’ And he goes, ‘Go outside and pick a log.’ I made about a 12-foot totem pole. So, after that, carving really grew on me.”
The hummingbird is special to Harris, who is well known for his hummingbird designs. “My mother said the hummingbird is God’s gift, God’s messenger.” It brings good news and good luck, he explained.
“This is my first unveiling of my art, and I’m really happy about this because I just got word that two of my designs were selected for the Pattullo Bridge, in New Westminster, this summer.”
And the design they picked? A hummingbird, of course. It seems that there is a hummingbird following him.
“Jason has been an artist in our community for so many years. I still have one his hummingbirds hanging on the mirror in my car. So, you know, he has been doing a lot of his work for a long time,” said Stz'uminus Chief John Elliott.
