A walk across Beaver Hills Bridge now offers a chance to discover two new granite sculptures connecting public art with the history of the surrounding land.

Created by Stewart Steinhauer of Saddle Lake Cree Nation, the works were installed in September at the bridge linking northeast Edmonton and Strathcona County.

The sculptures, The Bear and Two Souls Touching, mark 150 years since the signing of Treaty 6.

The Bear looks across the North Saskatchewan River from a carved stone pedestal.

Steinhauer describes Two Souls Touching as open to different interpretations, including the bond between a couple or a parent and child.

The project also became an opportunity to pass carving skills to another generation.

Apprentices Napekasiwiniw Steinhauer and Samantha Shirt, both from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, helped carve imagery into the stone bases.

The Edmonton Arts Council commissioned the pair of sculptures, adding a new cultural feature to the river crossing.

For local walkers and cyclists, the setting provides an opportunity to pause, look closely at the carvings and consider the stories behind the work.

The 230-metre bridge connects Township Road 540 in Strathcona County with 167 Avenue in Edmonton.

Opened in August 2025, it links river valley trails and includes two lookout points where visitors can stop to enjoy the surroundings.

The sculptures offer another reason to explore this shared outdoor space on the County’s doorstep.

Adapted from CBC News, October 6, 2026. Bridge information: City of Edmonton.