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'Elbows up,' 'Never 51' messages found on painted rocks in Steveston

A community project that started in the pandemic continues in the face of tariffs, annexation rhetoric from Trump.

Red-painted rocks with messages such as “Never 51,” “Canada Strong” and “Elbows up” were placed in Steveston Village this past weekend.

Karina Reid painted the rocks and is challenging the Steveston Rocks group to paint more Canada-themed rocks as U.S. President Donald Trump imposes stiff trade tariffs and has suggested Canada become America's 51st state.

“We need our community, our country, and each other to get through the Trump presidency — especially with his threats to Canada’s sovereignty,” Reid said in an email to the Richmond News. “I can't believe this is what is actually happening!!”

Steveston Rocks formed early in the pandemic to spread messages of kindness as people were socially isolated to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The painted rocks were meant as a “way to connect when we had to stay apart,” Reid said.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Steveston Rocks also painted yellow and blue rocks in solidarity with Ukraine.

“Now is the time to unite — to celebrate being Canadian and support Canadian businesses,” Reid added.


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