Three St. Clair Catholic elementary schools were filled with colour, song, and celebration as students, families, artists, and community members gathered on May 12 to celebrate the unveiling of three new Indigenous art installations—powerful symbols of learning, collaboration, and connection to identity and representation.
Holy Family, Christ the King, and St. Elizabeth Catholic Schools each hosted a heartfelt celebration that included opening songs, prayer in Anishinaabemowin, and reflections from the Anishinaabe artists who led the work: Cedric Isaac of Bkejwanong Territory, John Williams of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, and Moses Lunham of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
The collaborative art was co-created with Kindergarten through Grade 8 youth, and each installation reflects an important concept to the local Anishinaabe communities. Each installation reflects a different theme that connects each community’s unique identity and that of the school community. Through careful use of colour, symbolism, and story, the artists worked alongside students to bring the vision for each school to life in a way that honours Indigenous traditional knowledge, perspectives, and the local history.
“These art pieces are stunning,” says Lisa Demers, Director of Education. “But even more than that, they are a lasting visual reminder and learning opportunity—for generations to come—of what it means to walk alongside Indigenous communities in truth, learning, and celebration.”
The unveiling events included short videos documenting the creation process, giving students and guests a behind-the-scenes look at how the ideas were shaped and transformed into public art from start to finish.
Live music from Nolan Wilde, of Brothers Wilde, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and Cedric Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory, along with remarks from each of the artists added meaning and joy to each school’s celebration. This reminded everyone of the importance of sharing in and strengthening community through the arts.
“These installations are more than just paint on panels,” said Cortnee Goure, Indigenous Education Lead for St. Clair Catholic. “They’re a living experience. They carry the voices of students, a collaboration across communities, and a connection to the land and all of Creation. It was a privilege to witness these unveilings as well as the partnerships that came together around them.”
The events were part of the Board’s continued commitment to Indigenous education and building of relationships in partnership from the beginning all the way through with local knowledge carriers and elders.
Each of the three different art installations with all three artists at each school will remain a permanent and proud feature of the school it now calls home.
