Maamaawi Naanaagadawendamowin

St. Johns

I was honoured to attend the unveiling of an Indigenous art installation created by a St. Johns constituent, Fredrick Spence, alongside his collaborators on the project, Darren Sakwi and Rob Peristy. This public stainless-steel installation is titled Maamaawi Naanaagadawendamowin, which translates to “Gather your Heart.” Located at the Kevin Walters Plaza — a new public gathering space celebrating Winnipeg’s cultural and entertainment district — the art piece sits outside the historic Burt Cummings Theatre, grabbing the attention of pedestrians and motorists passing through this downtown location.

Maamaawi Naanaagadawendamowin celebrates the meeting of Anishinaabe and Western musical traditions. It invites visitors to see connections between Indigenous teachings and contemporary urban life, between Winnipeg’s artistic past and its evolving future. It reveals multiple stories. A drum — symbolizing the heartbeat of Indigenous culture — is shaped like a film reel, acknowledging the site’s cinematic past.

Spence spoke about how deeply personal the project is. He grew up frequenting the nearby Towne 8 Cinemas with his family, creating memories from which he pulls some of his inspiration. Installing his first major public artwork beside those childhood memories gives the sculpture an emotional resonance that extends beyond its physical form.

Spence invited artist, KC Adams, to join him in singing the Bear Song, which he mentioned was healing for him and important to share with everyone. With the drum in hand, he talked about the first hit of the drum as the starting point of Maamaawi Naanaagadawendamowin.

“Because that first hit of the drum, it’s hard, it’s nice, it’s meant for everybody to hear, and immediately, your heart is meant to draw towards that vibration,” he said.

Rather than simply decorating the landscape, Maamaawi Naanaagadawendamowin encourages dialogue about identity, belonging and shared responsibility while celebrating the richness of Indigenous culture and storytelling in the public realm.

Public art changes the way people move and feel in a place, having the power to not only transform physical spaces but also reshape how people experience an entire city.

As people gather in the plaza for events or even an evening stroll, the sculpture quietly fulfils its purpose, asking visitors to slow down and reflect, before moving on.

In a city known for its vibrant arts community, Maamaawi Naanaagadawendamowin stands as a reminder that the strongest communities are built not only through architecture and infrastructure, but through stories, relationships and the shared experiences that connect us all.

As always, my office is open to hear your questions, comments, and concerns. If you would like to get in touch, you can call us at 204-582-1550 or email nahanni.fontaine@yourmanitoba.ca