Thunder Mountain (2009)

“My people’s oral history tells many legends of the Thunderbird. He is a symbol of luck and is a protector of people. The Thunderbird claps his powerful wings and makes thunder and lightning.

“I thought of the Thunderbird while travelling in the Okanagan some years back, there was a day I spent on a mountain when the weather changed instantly. The thunder was so loud it could be seen shaking the trees, and lightning so powerful I could hear it beside me. I remember 10 cm [4 inches] of hail fell, and in a matter of minutes buried the ground. Many things bowed from the weight of the ice. The sun was obscured from view in a matter of minutes. It was unbelievably exciting.

“I have respect for the mountain that showed me its might that day; I reflect on it now as Thunder Mountain.”

Thomas Cannell