Canuck the Crow is the mischievous icon who stole the hearts and minds of Vancouverites in 2017 after famously stealing a knife from a crime scene in the Downtown Eastside. Canuck rose to fame as the focus of media headlines and a featured short documentary, and has built a social media following of over 100,000 people. He has been spotted riding the skytrain, frequenting the PNE, and helping himself to people’s meals at McDonalds. Although officially named a federally protected bird, Canuck has regrettably been missing since 2019. The urban myth is referenced in this work, as a carved Canuck is positioned on a metal trash bin with a carved, cedar knife resting in his beak.

Brimming with humour, Corey’s addition of the “Welcome to East Van” sticker serves as an homage to one of the city’s cultural hubs, home to vibrant street art, eclectic small businesses, and a strong sense of local community. In this spirit, Canuck remains the unsung hero and mascot of one of Vancouver’s most historic areas.