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Grandmother Camus

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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. 

We were honored to commission Toma Villa, a talented artist from the Yakama Nation, to bring the "Grandmother Camas" project to life. His artwork beautifully captures the spirit of cultural heritage and storytelling, creating a meaningful space for connection, reflection, and appreciation within our community.

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.

Toma Villa, Yakama Tribal Artist

“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.”

“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.”

- Sheila Davis

“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,”

– Haily Heath, City of Vancouver

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington plays a vital role in supporting the arts and fostering creativity in our community. We are deeply grateful for their support in helping us bring the "Grandmother Camas" project to life, a meaningful initiative celebrating cultural heritage, storytelling, and community connection.