Lakehead bridging truth and reconciliation through art

Thunder Bay, Ont.

Lakehead University unveiled an Every Child Matters outdoor art installation during a ceremony to honour the children lost to the residential school system, survivors and their families. The artwork unveiling was accompanied by the raising of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) Survivors’ Flag.

Located in the Agora Circle, at the heart of Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus, the art installation features seven white eagle feathers on an orange background, embodying the Seven Sacred Teachings – spiritual principles central to many Indigenous cultures across North America: Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. Together, these teachings offer guidance on how to live and act in harmony with one another for communities to thrive.

“Anyone who visits our campus will see this artwork as a powerful symbol of our collective journey toward understanding and reconciliation,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “It not only commemorates survivors and those who tragically lost their lives, but it also serves as a daily reminder of our responsibility to foster an inclusive and respectful community. It marks a central space on campus for reflection, dialogue and connection. And, it stands as a strong symbol of belonging for the many Indigenous students, faculty and staff who are an integral part of the Lakehead community.”

The installation is part of a broader initiative by the university to integrate Indigenous culture and history into the fabric of campus life, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten as we build a more inclusive and just future.

Throughout September, Lakehead visual arts student and artist Tashie Broadbent will lead a powerful community-based art project that invites participants to actively contribute to painting a vision of reconciliation. This unique project kicks off on Monday, Sept. 9, with a circle gathering to aid meaningful conversations about the true essence of reconciliation and commitment to action. Following these discussions, Tashie will outline a mural that embodies these collective aspirations. On Wednesday, Sept. 16, the entire community is invited to pick up a paintbrush and help bring this shared vision to life. The final piece will be unveiled on Thursday, Sept. 26.

“Art has the power to create a safe space where the truths of our past can be seen, heard and felt,” explained Denise Baxter, Vice-Provost Indigenous Initiatives. “Through this shared creative process we can weave together the threads of reconciliation, understanding and healing in collaboration with communities and nations on pathways forward. We invite all members of the Lakehead and Thunder Bay communities to participate.”

Additionally, Lakehead will host several free learning opportunities on truth and reconciliation leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

Archives: The Gatekeepers of Truth and Reconciliation with Miranda Jimmy
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Re-Storying Intergenerational Trauma through Truth, Reconciliation, and Peacebuilding with Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
Friday, Sept. 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information and to register, visit www.lakeheadu.ca/indigenous/events.