“The symbol of this statue is not just a harmless, benign depiction of a tin soldier. It is actually a symbol of violence.” 

— Brandon Gabriel, Kwantlen artist 

Earlier this year, we witnessed a powerful transformation at the New Westminster riverfront. Through the vision and artistry of Brandon Gabriel, the “World’s Largest Tin Soldier” was reimagined as the “World’s Largest Coast Salish Welcome Figure.” 

Brandon’s light carving challenges us to reconsider the stories monuments tell and to ask whose stories are we telling? The idea was originally proposed at Artlatch in 2018—an event produced by Savage Society at the Massey Theatre curated by Ronnie Dean Harris.

The installation was commissioned by the City of New Westminster.