Thank you to all of the community members who came to to celebrate the installation of Grandmother Camus and her significance at the free Earth Day event on April 20, at the intersection of St. Johns Blvd. and Q St. The event will included free food, vendors and family activities hosted by Columbia Play Project.

Grandmother Camus depicts the poignant narrative of Grandmother Camus, who, out of profound love for her grandchildren, transformed into camas bulbs to save them from starvation. The sculpture serves as a symbol of unity and appreciation, embodying the deep connection between Fourth Plain Forward and the community it serves.

This monumental artwork, located at the intersection of Fourth Plain Boulevard and St. Johns Boulevard in Vancouver, Washington, pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of indigenous tribes and celebrates the significance of camas as a food source for generations. To recognize this important installation, the area surrounding the Grandmother Camus welcoming figure has been designated as a City of Vancouver Naturespaces site to preserve and expand native plant habitat along Fourth Plain.

“I was inspired by my mother-in-law and her relationship with my daughter… she was her first grandchild and I loved seeing how they bonded together.” Stated Toma Villa, Yakama Tribal Artist.

“What Grandmother Camus means to me, is the meaning of giving back because what Grandmother Camus did for her community affected generations to come and when I see Grandmother Camus I see a reflection on what we’ve done as a community and how we’re going to give back to the next generations," remarked Sheila Davis, Community Development Manager at Fourth Plain Forward. 

“The installation of this community art and Naturespace site is symbolic of the power we have as a community, when we unify, collaborate, and generously learn from Indigenous Wisdom,” said City of Vancouver Volunteer Coordinator, Hailey Heath. “Grandmother Camus gives me hope that our collective community can acknowledge the past, celebrate the present and work together for a future steeped in creativity, sustainability, and vital relationships.” 

“I was inspired by my mother-in-law and her relationship with my daughter… she was her first grandchild and I loved seeing how they bonded together.”