Sheep Standing By Himself Poster

On March 19, 1985, Constable Michael Buday was shot and killed by a deranged individual on the shores of Teslin Lake, British Columbia.

West Coast artist Roy Henry Vickers and his friend and student, Staff Sergeant Ed Hill developed an interest in the incident and decided to produce a painting commemorating this tragic event in Royal Canadian Mounted Police history.

The production of an image would provide a funding base for Roy's dream of establishing a recovery centre on Canada's west coast, dedicated to all people needing help in overcoming the wide range of addictions so rampant in today's society.

Roy has enjoyed success as an artist, encountering his own struggles along the way. He has successfully addressed his own addictions, and it is his desire to give something back to the community.

On March 19, 1995, a small group traveled to the shores of Teslin Lake, exactly ten years after the death of Constable Buday. Roy Vickers and Ed Hill did in fact experience their vision, and the image entitled 'Sheep Standing by Himself' is the culmination of that vision. The piece depicts the last view of the world as seen through the eyes of Constable Buday.

In the distance is Shaman Island, a site sacred to the Tlingit people who inhabit the area. If you look carefully, the outline of the Shaman can be seen along the shoreline. The mountains, rising from the shore of Teslin Lake are known in the Tlingit language as 'Klunuctuway' meaning 'Sheep Standing by Himself' - hence the name of the piece.

This is particularly relevant when considering that recovery cannot be accomplished in solitude. Support is key, with the concept being no one should have to be a 'Sheep Standing by Himself.' You can see the ram above the mountain range snorting the clouds across the northern sky.

Closer examination will reveal the outline of seven Trumpeter swans, six in the blue of the water and the snow of the lake and one on the base of the left peak. They were present on March 19th and appeared to be acting as guardians of the site.

Finally, the figure of an eagle covers the image with outstretched wings, offering comfort and protection. The eagle plays a significant part in Roy's life; on that day in March 1995, a bald eagle appeared, slowly circling the site before departing. He was confirming the image seen by Roy and Ed and giving his approval of VisionQuest. The presence of the Creator was felt very deeply and it was this confirmation that will keep the dream alive until the doors of the recovery centre are finally opened.

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