Looking Towards the Next 150

Here are some stories of hope and healing that happened alongside the more traditional Canada 150 celebrations.

Along the Healing Path

Just down the street from us in Waubaushene, ON a new mural was unveiled on the Tay Trail.  The mural is titled Nikeyaa noojimowin miikanaans or Along the Healing Path.  Designed by Midland art student, Richelle Chartrand McCue and painted with her fellow high school students, the mural is a response to the Truth and Reconciliation process that Canadians are currently engaged in.  McCue is Indigenous and the project inspired her to learn more about her culture.  The animals in the mural represent the Seven Grandfather teachings  which are Humility (wolf), Bravery (bear), Honesty (Sabe), Wisdom (beaver), Truth (turtle), Respect (buffalo) and Love (eagle).

Nikeyaa noojimowin miikanaans, Along the Healing Path

  

The township and local businesses provided the funds for materials and installation.  The mural is on the Tay Trail where hundreds of people can view it as they cycle, walk and run along this lakeside path.  We are so honoured to have this beautiful reminder of healing at the end of our street.  The times we have stood and looked at it or read the comprehensive information plaque near the trail, people have stopped to look at it as well and quite a few conversations have ensued so far.

You can view a CTV news video about this project here and see the students creating the project.  The township wanted a mural, the school said yes, an art teacher suggested the theme of Truth and Reconciliation, the students did the work and the community provided the funds and now all the residents and visitors to the area can be a part of the story as well.  

Medicine Wheel, the Bear and the Voice of a Nation
Another local Midland artist Paul Whittam who signs his work with his Anishinaabeg name Negik (Star Otter) created an inclusive art project in Toronto for Canada Day.  He returned to the city of his birth for this project.  Although Paul was taken from his family in the Sixties Scoop, he has reconnected with his birth family and not only expresses Anishinaabeg culture in his artwork but he also spends time teaching young people about this culture.

The initial mural that Negik brought to Toronto

So on July 1^st he took the beginnings of a 4 x 8 foot acrylic canvas to Thompson Memorial Park in Toronto and invited the public to add to it using their hand prints.  The piece is called "Medicine wheel, the Bear and the Voice of a Nation". 

Medicine Wheel, the Bear and the Voice of a Nation with artist Negik
on the right when the mural was completed.

Here are some photos from his facebook page of visitors to the mural. You can view more of Negik’s beautiful art on his facebook page.

Voice from the Teepee
If you were following the Canada 150 story in Ottawa, you may have heard about people erecting a teepee on Parliament Hill.  After the RCMP tried to take it down, through negotiations it was moved to a different location near to the stage. 

Trudeau leaves teepee (photo: MacLeans)

 On Canada Day, PM Justin Trudeau and Sofie Gregoire Trudeau spent time sitting with the occupants in the teepee but Trudeau didn`t say what was discussed inside to the media.  So if you are curious to know what the teepee was all about, here is a short video  to explain it from the occupants side.

Sarain Fox  (photo sarainfox.com)

“The teepee is a symbol of the reoccupation of Canada.  What I want people to know as we approach Canada 150 is that the reoccupation of Canada is just one way that we are changing the narrative for the next 150 years,” says Sarain Fox, Anishinaabe professional dancer, choreographer and actor. Sarain’s voice is an important one to listen to.  It is part of our new narrative and listening to each other is one of the main foundations of reconciliation.

I was curious to know more about this well spoken, clear, young woman so I googled her and found her website.   There I found a 9 minute video called Sarain Winneway Short (watch it here)  which documents Sarain’s trip to the community of Winneway First Nation in Quebec to give dance workshops for the kids of all ages in the community.  The video is very hopeful as she works with the kids to explore movement, dance, healthy living, traditional strengths such as the circle and working together. The kids respond to her enthusiasm and skill and participate in performing for their community.  This video will bring a smile to your face.

Kids in Winneway First Nation watch their classmates perform with Sarain Fox behind them

All of these young artists are well aware of the harm that has been done in the past and they are using their art to create new stories for all of our children and grandchildren.  They are confronting the truth and finding a healing path forward.  Their artistic gifts and voices are ones we can learn from and be inspired by as we all move along this healing path together.