This hummingbird crest was designed by Alan Steeves, Manager of Computing and Electronics in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia. Alan is a member of the Kwagiutl First Nation and is a renowned contemporary Native artist.
In the Kwagiutl First Nation, totems of natural objects are used to signify kinship groups and identify people. The hummingbird totem is unique among them, as the hummingbird is the totem for people with no totem. Anyone can claim the hummingbird totem; under the hummingbird totem, everyone belongs. The hummingbird is also a scout for the people, always looking forward and going ahead to look so she can tell the people what lies ahead.
