OREANDA-NEWS. January 28, 2016. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is pleased to celebrate the latest addition to its Northwest Coast art collection. Raven Stealing the Beaver Lake, The Blind Halibut Fisherman and Raven with a Broken Beak, carved by internationally acclaimed artist Reg Davidson, recount Haida myths in which Raven is featured as both beneficent cultural hero and prank-playing Trickster.

The carvings are on display in the Link Rotunda area of YVR’s Domestic Terminal, after security near C Pier departure gates.

“Art is an important part of how we create a unique sense of place at YVR that represents the cultural heritage, natural beauty and iconic experiences that embody British Columbia,” said Anne Murray, Vice President, Marketing and Communications. “We are so proud to showcase Reg Davidson’s stunning cedar works and highlight First Nations culture to the millions of passengers who travel through YVR every year.”

Raven Stealing the Beaver Lake is a 24-foot carved cedar pole which illustrates an episode of Haida creation myth in which the Beaver people brought Raven to their great house and provided him with meals of salmon. The Blind Halibut Fisherman and Raven with a Broken Beak sculptures were inspired by a Haida myth in which Raven attempted to play a joke on an old, blind man. Near the sculptures is a large bentwood box, traditionally used to store ceremonial regalia and other precious objects.

“Thanks to YVR’s amazing display of artwork, visitors from around the world are able to experience a first-class vision of Aboriginal cultures, histories and traditions,” said Reg Davidson. “I thank YVR for providing a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about British Columbia, home to one third of all First Nations in Canada.”

YVR houses one of the largest collections of BC First Nations art on public display as a means to make the airport distinctive, enjoyable and memorable within the global network of aviation hubs. Revered for its celebration of Indigenous art, YVR’s collection focuses on themes of land, sea and sky. YVR’s art pieces and their thematic stories are explored as part of a new book – A Sense of Place: Art at Vancouver International Airport – which is available for purchase at local retailers, including at Lattimer Gallery YVR, located at the International Terminal Building, Departures Level 3.