The Arrivals Hall of the International Terminal showcases the world's largest Coast Salish Spindle Whorl, designed and carved by Susan A. Point. She was assisted in this monumental task by John Livingston and Jeff Cannell. It is five meters (16 feet) in diameter, 30 cm (12 inches) thick in the center and is carved of red cedar. The Spindle Whorl hangs from a wall of granite "shingles" over which water, representing the rivers of the Coast Salish people, flows.

The imagery in this Coast Salish Spindle Whorl is designed to invoke a sense of flight. Reflecting the spirit of the Pacific Northwest coast as well as the traditional Coast Salish style of art, it incorporates design elements such as crescents, u-forms and wedges or v-forms. Birds, animals and human forms (as well as other images) have always been commonly represented on traditional Coast Salish spindle whorls. However, the artist, Susan A. Point, felt it was important that this design represent not only the flight theme relating to the airport but that it also represent the human element as well - thus the creation of this particular image.

The contemporary style in this Spindle Whorl image depicts two eagles, two human forms, salmon and the moon, sun and earth. The eagle, which is considered a symbol of power, is designed around the image of a man whose arms are raised welcoming visitors and also gesturing flight. The upper torsos of the men represent the people of this area, namely the Coast Salish. On the chests of these men are salmon motifs which represent the Coast Salish peoples who, still today, live and fish along the shores of the Fraser River; salmon being a sustenance of life and a symbol of wealth.

The Coast Salish people are river people. To represent the river, the spindle whorl is hung from a wall of granite layered like shingles overlapping. A steady stream of water flows down behind the spindle whorl so it appears to "float" out of the river. The water continues down "the river" created between the two escalators leading to the arrivals hall on Arrivals Level.