ECU, Lakehead, RDP, WLU unveil Indigenous artworks for truth and reconciliation

Several postsecondary institutions have unveiled Indigenous artworks in honour of truth and reconciliation. Emily Carr University of Art and Design installed the “Pacific Song of the Ancestors” totem pole, which was designed by Master Carvers Dempsey Bob (Tahltan-Tlingit), Stan Bevan (Tahltan-Tlingit and Tsimshian), and Lyonel Grant (Māori and Pakeha). The pole is accompanied by an exhibition of the same name which is curated by ECU student Zoë Laycock. Red Deer Polytechnic recently added the art piece “4 Star Art Warrior” to their collection. The painting is by artist and alumnus George Littlechild, who is of Plains Cree heritage with connections to the Maskwacis Nations, and will be displayed inside the polytechnic’s main entrance as a reminder of the journey toward reconciliation. St Francis High School in Calgary marked National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with the unveiling of a totem art piece by Rick Wolcott that centres on inclusion and teamwork. Lakehead University Bora Laskin Law School revealed a new mural called Where the Heart Gathers, which was painted by artists from Neechee Studio as a call to remind law students of the injustices of the past. Wilfrid Laurier University unveiled its 36-foot-tall colourful mural, which was created over the summer by Ojibwe artist Michael Cywink, students, and community members.