Conceived and artistically led by IM4 Lab Creative Director Loretta Todd—and inspired by Elder Doris Peters’ reminder that “youth need to see themselves as Elders”, so the know they’re strong enough for their lives, this project began with a clear vision and grew as participants layered in their own stories and dreams.
Youth and Elders brought their own creative vision, personal teachings and imagination to every stage, transforming it into a truly collective artwork. To honour the Coast Salish territories where the project takes place, Kwantlen muralist Brandon Gabriel contributed the Thunderbird story as a symbol of transformation and renewal, as a unifying narrative thread that weaves together nature, technology, and cultural continuity.
Using XR tools—including AR overlays, spatial audio, interactive sensors, conductive paint, projection mapping, and fiber-optic light—the installation offers layered storytelling that responds to touch, movement, and XR headsets, triggering projections, drumbeats, soundscapes, and animated elements. Low-cost hardware such as ESP32 S3 microcontrollers, MAX MSP interfaces, Figmin XR, and MadMapper ensures the work can be replicated in other communities without expensive infrastructure.
The mural grew out of IM4 Lab workshops in drum-making, storytelling, spatial sound, photogrammetry, and creative technology—led by Indigenous and allied XR artists. The cohort features creators from Red River Métis, St Paul des Métis, White Fish Lake, Skwxwu7mesh Uximixw, Syilx First Nation, Secwepemc, Ktunaxa, Piikani Blackfoot First Nation, PR Nakota First Nation, Mapuche, Andean First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Lil’wat First Nation, Musqueam First Nation, N’lakap’mx, Wetsit First Nation, Old Masset First Nation, Stō:ló First Nation, Simpcw First Nation, Lil’wat First Nation, Saulteaux, Gitsxan, Kinbasket Nations, Dënesułįne & Nîhithaw First Nation, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Fishing Lake Métis Nation, Chehalis First Nation, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Nisga’a First Nation, Haida Gwaii, and Fort Nelson Dene and Vancouver’s urban Indigenous communities.
As public art, Thunderbird Dreams sparks dialogue across generations, inviting those who visit Signals of all ages to interact, reflect, and imagine futures grounded in Indigenous values.
Throughout, the project has been supported the IM4 Lab team, guided by Technical Co Creative Director, Davis Heslep and dedicated workshop leaders and guest mentors, nurturing, providing technical guidance, artistic feedback, and a safe space to experiment. Their steady support empowered youth and Elders alike to bring bold visions to life, making Thunderbird Dreams not just a mural but a living embodiment of Indigenous-led innovation and collective hope for good futures.
CREDITS
IM4 MEDIA LAB TEAM
Mural Concept by Loretta Sarah Todd
Creative Director & Matriarch: Loretta Sarah Todd (Red River Métis, St Paul des Métis, White Fish Lake)
Matriarch – T’uy’t’tanat Cease Wyss (Skwxwu7mesh Uximixw, Swiss, Hawaiian)
Matriarch – Tracey Kim Bonneau (Syilx First Nation)
Matriarch – Doreen Manuel (Secwepemc, Ktunaxa)
Technical Director/Co Creative Director – Davis Heslep (Black, South Asian)
Project Coordinator – Robyn K. Weasel Bear (Piikani Blackfoot First Nation)
Project Assistant – Shasha McArthur (PR Nakota First Nation)
Marketing Manager – Julien Mackenzie
Project Consultant – Sussan Yáñez (Mapuche, Andean First Nation)
Mural Consultant – Brandon Gabriel (Kwantlen First Nation)
STARRING
Christine Leo, I7a (Lil’wat First Nation)
Verna Kenoras (Musqueam First Nation)
Mechelle Pierre (N’lakap’mx)
Georgina Alexander Mitchell (Wetsit First Nation)
Keeka Mitchell (Old Masset First Nation)
Denise Mitchell (Wetsit First Nation)
Tea Rosa (Skwxwu7mesh Uximixw, Stō:ló First Nation)
Desireah Eustache (Simpcw First Nation)
Shasha “Awesome” McArthur (PR Nakota First Nation)
Sussan Yáñez (Mapuche, Andean First Nation)
TECHNICAL PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Savinu Dissanayake
Ethan Agno
Reed Bryan
Alanna Ho
Jenna Crowell
Jaiden Daniels
SONGS
Ryker Elliott McCormick (Lil’wat First Nation)
ARTISTS
Mural Artist – Brandon Gabriel (Kwantlen First Nation)
Dragon Fly (N’lakap’mx, Saulteaux, Gitsxan)
Dusty Hagerud (Ktunaxa, Kinbasket Nations)
Victoria Redsun (Dënesułįne & Nîhithaw First Nation)
Onya Elliott, Se7cwa (Lil’wat First Nation)
Demitrius Paul (Musqueam First Nation)
Mackenzie Paul (Musqueam First Nation)
Perseis Paul (Musqueam First Nation)
Ethan Black (Yellowknives Dene First Nation)
Shaun Anderson (Fishing Lake Métis Nation)
WORKSHOP LEADERS
Nancy Lee
Jonny Ostrem
Marek Tyler (nêhiyaw)
Keegan Charlie (Chehalis First Nation)
Cheyanna Kootenhayoo (Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation)
CATERING
Teresa Mark (Nisga’a First Nation)
Thank You to Our Partner, DigiBC
Nico Dicecco
Neelesh Nair