"SUQUASH; A FOREST OF ABANDONED DREAMS"

"Suquash – A Forest of Abandoned Dreams is inspired by the historic Suquash Heritage Site, the location of Vancouver Island's first coal mine near Port McNeill, British Columbia."
 
Hidden within the forests just north of Port McNeill, British Columbia, lies the historic Suquash Heritage Site—the location of the first coal mine on Vancouver Island. Established in the 1840s to supply coal for Hudson's Bay Company steamships, the mine played an important role in the early development of the coast.
Long before European settlement, the Kwakwaka'wakw people knew of the coal deposits in the area. Historical accounts describe how they gathered surface coal and transported it by canoe to waiting Hudson's Bay Company vessels. The discovery of coal at Suquash helped shape the company's plans for Vancouver Island and led to the construction of Fort Rupert in nearby Beaver Harbour in 1849.
Today, visitors can still explore the peaceful forest where nature has reclaimed this once-busy mining community. Moss-covered stone fireplaces, old mining remnants, and towering old-growth trees create a quiet reminder of a fascinating chapter in Northern Vancouver Island's history. The river rock fireplaces featured in this painting still stand beneath the forest canopy, connecting today's visitors with the people who once lived and worked here.
 
Visiting Suquash Heritage Site
Suquash Heritage Site is located approximately 10 kilometres north of Port McNeill on Northern Vancouver Island. A short forest walk leads visitors to the remaining stone fireplaces and historic ruins. While the trail is relatively easy, the site is protected heritage property. Visitors are encouraged to leave artifacts undisturbed so future generations can continue to experience this unique place.
 
24x36  Acrylic on Canvas Available