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Public Administration

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50th anniversary logo

Raven Dancer was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ’s School of Public Administration in 2024. 

In many First Nations cultures, Raven is well known as a trickster, but Raven is also regarded as a messenger and a transformer. In this image, Raven Dancer embodies the teachings of both messenger and transformer, carrying important teachings and lessons to be shared with the next generation.

Through the process of its transformation, Raven’s cloak is lifted away to reveal its human form as it raises its hands to show gratitude for the Sun, which Raven released when the world was new.

As its transformation is completed, Raven Dancer steps gently and mindfully upon the earth as it gives thanks to the lands, the great mountains, the rivers, streams and the mighty ocean that have provided for all living beings since the beginning of time. 

The process of transformation is part and parcel of the important work we all embark on as we travel along our learning paths. This is true whether our paths are in a community or a post-secondary environment.

Lou-ann Neel, Kwagiulth artist

Lou-ann Neel (Ika’wega) is from the Kwagiulth, Mamalilikulla, ‘Namgis, Kwickwasutaineuk, Mumtagila and Danaxda’xw people of the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwak’wala-speaking people). She comes from a family of artists on both sides of her family.

Lou-ann is a graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 2015. She is also a graduate of the ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ's School of Public Administration, earning the Certificate in the Administration of Aboriginal Governments and Diploma in Public Sector Management in 1994.

It was an honour to be invited to create a design to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the School of Public Administration. During my time at the School of Public Administration, I was fortunate to be part of an all-First Nations cohort, which provided a wonderful opportunity for each of us to learn about our respective First Nations histories and ways of being. This helped to shape and inform my career as an arts program manager/administrator and allowed me to establish a wonderful balance between my own professional arts practice and the work I do to support the living cultures of all First Nations artists and communities.
Lou-ann Neel