Memorial art piece honours residential school survivors
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This article was published 12/10/2022 (1076 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre marked the second National Truth and Reconcilation Day by unveiling a new memorial art sculpture at the Gathering Place for Truth and Reconcilation (445 King St.).
The tribute piece, a response to “Every Child Matters” in the 94 calls to action towards reconcilation, was created by Irvin Head. The main focus of the sculpture is a turtle, but the piece also features footprints of children’s moccasins, 13 panels on the turtle’s back representing the moon cycles, a bear paw, smaller turtles following the larger ones’ teachings and an indented concave panel meant to be used as a smudge bowl.
The work also represents the turtle’s offspring of seven generations of Indigenous children that will lead and carry knowledge through prayer and medicine.
The inspiration for the art piece began in September 2021 when Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre embarked on a journey of Truth and Reconciliation. A call to action was sent to schools and youth in Manitoba to send in tobacco ties with handwritten messages describing what Every Child Matters means to them.