yáqʷa Development Corporation is proud to unveil the logo for Gizuá Market, a new market concept located in the former Sunrise General Store building in the heart of x̄á’isla Village. yáqʷa announced its purchase last year of the Sunrise building.

As part of the acquisition, yáqʷa launched a call for artists to help rebrand the store and reinforce x̄á’isla culture. Submissions were reviewed by the yáqʷa team and Haisla Nation and selected x̄á’isla artist Teresa Windsor’s logo.

Teresa chose to draw the sun setting at gélw̓anuxʷ (Canoe Mountain), which is located directly behind the Gizuá market.

“I like to try and incorporate x̄á’isla language and our núyem within my art pieces so that they always tell a story,” said Teresa Windsor regarding the artwork she created for the logo.

As Teresa notes, “when the sun sets at that location it indicates that the oolichan have arrived. Below the mountain range is the water going in both directions, much like our tides. I felt that it was a significant part of x̄á’isla history that ties into the long standing practice of watching where the sun sets along the mountain range of our territory. The sun setting signifies a new beginning.”

The Sunrise General Store has a long and rich history in x̄á’isla Village. Originally operated as a co-op, it was purchased by Lloyd and Irene Starr in the early 1960s. From the 1970s to the 1990s, Lloyd and Marilyn Starr took over operations, and in the early 1990s, they continued the family legacy through Mary and Tom Nyce. Over the years, Sunrise has played a significant role in the community, well-known for its delightful frozen yogurts and treats.

As Teresa Windsor notes about the market and the beach in front, “this was or literally our playground growing up, virtually anything you can come up with as a child in your imagination this was it for us.”

Planning is underway to expand the market’s offerings and products over time. With plans for an exciting new restaurant adjacent to the market, yáqʷa intends to ensure it remains a special meeting spot for friends and family at the end of the day, or to celebrate special occasions, while enjoying views of gélw̓anuxʷ and the setting sun.

You can watch a video about Teresa and her artwork here:

To learn more about Gizuá Market:

Facebook and Website (coming soon)

About yáqʷa

yáqʷa was established in 2024 as the economic development arm of the Haisla Nation. Our mandate is to develop, manage and own the active businesses of the Nation. yáqʷa was established to allow for the separation of business and governance within the Haisla Nation. We are open for business and encourage you to visit our website to learn more and reach out to our team.