Bulkley Valley Credit Union Unveils Indigenous-Designed Logo Ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SMITHERS, BC – Ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Bulkley Valley Credit Union (BVCU) is proud to unveil an Indigenous-designed version of its logo, commissioned from local Wet’suwet’en artist Stephanie Anderson.
The logo reflects BVCU’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation, respect for Indigenous cultures, and recognition of the enduring relationships Indigenous Peoples have with this region. As a community-focused financial cooperative, BVCU is honoured to serve communities throughout a region rich in Indigenous cultures, histories, and traditions, and recognizes the importance of building respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples today and for future generations.
About the Artist
Stephanie Anderson is a member of the Likhsilyu (Small Frog) clan of the Wet’suwet’en Nation with ancestral ties to Kwin Begh Yikh, the “House beside the Fire.” Based in Terrace, BC, she is an accomplished Northwest Coast artist whose work explores Indigenous culture, community, and reconciliation.
Stephanie studied at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art under master carver Ken McNeil before later returning as an instructor. Her work includes public art projects that honour Indigenous histories, cultures, and the enduring impacts of residential schools. Through projects such as Holding Our Children Close and At the Heart, she has created works that contribute to public art, cultural awareness, and reconciliation within her community.
In 2024, Stephanie was recognized by the BC Achievement Foundation as the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist.
More recently, Stephanie completed the exterior artwork and carving featured on the newly opened Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre building in Houston, a project proudly supported by Bulkley Valley Credit Union.
The Story Behind the Design
When asked about her inspiration, Stephanie shared that she immediately saw how BVCU’s existing logo already reflected a strong connection to place and the land on which we live.
Building on that foundation, she created a design that honours the relationship Indigenous peoples have maintained with their Yintah (territories) since time immemorial. The artwork incorporates elements that are deeply familiar to those who call the Bulkley Valley home: the waterways that connect communities, the salmon that sustain ecosystems and cultures, the forests nourished by the land, and Dzilh Yuntan (Hudson Bay Mountain), whose snow-fed waters continue to support future generations.
As Stephanie explains:
“Together, these elements represent more than a landscape; they depict a sense of place that deserves to be held in high regard. This is the land that provides for us and connects us to one another. We are the land and the land is us.”
She also notes that regardless of whether we come from Indigenous Nations or settler origins, we have the opportunity to build relationships through a shared respect for the land we call home and by acknowledging the histories that have shaped it.
For Bulkley Valley Credit Union, the logo serves as both a celebration of place and a reminder of the importance of continuing to learn, listen, and build meaningful relationships.
Reconciliation in Action
For Bulkley Valley Credit Union, reconciliation is an ongoing commitment, reflected not only in what we say, but in how we invest in our communities, support Indigenous voices, and build meaningful relationships throughout the region.
As a community-focused financial cooperative, BVCU strives to support initiatives that celebrate Indigenous culture, create opportunities for Indigenous artists, and foster stronger connections throughout the region. One recent example is the credit union’s support of Indigenous artwork at the newly opened Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre in Houston, helping bring Indigenous stories, culture, and artistic expression into an important community gathering space.
While no single initiative can define reconciliation, BVCU believes every step toward understanding, respect, and relationship-building contributes to stronger communities for future generations.
“As people who are fortunate to live and work in this remarkable region, we have the opportunity and responsibility to honour the histories, cultures, and traditions that have shaped these lands,” said Bulkley Valley Credit Union CEO, Jana Lukasek. “This logo is one meaningful way of recognizing those connections and reflecting our commitment to reconciliation.”
About Bulkley Valley Credit Union
Bulkley Valley Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative serving communities throughout Northwest British Columbia. Guided by cooperative values and a commitment to community, BVCU invests in local initiatives that strengthen the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the region.
Media Contact
Cassie Henrickson
Marketing Specialist
Bulkley Valley Credit Union
marketing@bvcu.com
