WISDOM
Jason Carter
THE RED WARRIOR, 2015
It is often said amongst the elders that ‘we are the land, and the land is us’. This statement reflects the intricate, spiritual, and deeply respectful relationship that Aboriginal peoples have with the natural world. This red brave stands as a testament to the essential wisdom of these words, encouraging unity and accord with Mother Earth.
Wisdom is the quality of being wise, drawing on experience and being governed by life lessons learned.
Wisdom Gift of the Beaver
The Beaver represents wisdom because it uses its natural gifts to promote wellness and wellness for its family. The beaver has the knowledge of how to build, which enable the beaver to positively impact its environment and create a more sustainable environment. The beaver is very much a family animal.
TRUTH, 2015
Aluminum
Truth depicts an elder in a moment of understanding. Kneeling upon the earth, he stares skyward and reaches towards the Great Spirit. His other hand is held to his chest, in acknowledgement of the spirit within.
“I have forgotten who has made me.”
Truth is the state or quality of being true.
Truth Gift of the Turtle
The Turtle represents truth because it is said to be the oldest animal of time. It is believed the turtle witnessed all creation. There are 13 plates on the turtle’s shell which represent the 13 moons in one year.
COURAGE
Heather Shillinglaw
SKY SPIRIT COURAGE OF THE MOTHER BEAR, 2015
Fiberglass & Steel
Since time immemorial, traditional Aboriginal knowledge and practices have been guided by a profound spiritual connection to Mother Earth.
Shillinglaw’s artwork features an abalone smudge bowl and feather, used in ceremonies of cleansing and purification, which are united in the sky. Inside the smudge bowl, cut out stars form the Big Dipper and allude to Mother Bear who is forever chasing her cub. In line with Polaris; Little Bear teaches us family values and protection of our natural world with undaunted ferocity.
Sky Spirit Courage of the Mother Bear honours this spiritual connection and reminds us to take a stand for our values and beliefs.
Courage is the capacity of facing danger without giving up due to fear. To face challenges with confidence and bravery.
Courage Gift of the Bear
The Bear represents courage because of its natural ability to overcome challenges through its everyday life and its incredible instinct of protection.
HUMILITY
Carey Newman
THE HUMBLE FROG, 2015
The frog is the traditional carrier of sound, whose powerful voice sings the stories and songs of his people. Given his position of importance, it would be tempting for the frog to lose sight of his humility; however, in the frog is a sensitive and fragile creature. Humility serves as a reminder to stay humble and thoughtful of our place in this world.
Humility is the quality of being without arrogance and having proper self-respect.
Humility Gift of the Wolf
The Wolf represents humility because of its giving nature and devotion to protecting and working for the betterment of the pack. Wolves are mates for life and are generous and loving parents, setting great examples of what our community systems should be.
LOVE
Susan A. Point
AFFECTION, 2015
Affection captures the boundless and impassioned nature of love. Two hearts lock together in an infinite, red embrace, and form a love seat that welcomes all. Linked together by a braided rope, the pair of birds symbolize the joys of affection, while the wolves represent loyalty to family.
The powerful emotion felt for another person or being that shows itself with deep affection or devotion.
Love Gift of the Eagle
The Eagle is said to fly he highest closest to the creator and carries our prayers up. Eagles are loving parents and are always guiding their offspring.
HONESTY
Treasure Cooper
KITCH SABE, 2015
Steel, wire, copper & stone
The giant Kitch Sabe is a traditional symbol of honesty. It is said that long ago, he walked among the peoples to remind them to be honest to the laws of the Creator and to each other. This work features the large hand of Kitch Sabe holding the seven Aboriginal Teachings in his palm as a symbol of integrity – a reminder for us to be our true selves.
Honesty is the act or condition of being honest or never deceiving, stealing, or taking advantage of others.
Honest Gift of the Sabe
It is believed that the Sabe is closer to the spirit world than humans and reminds us that we must be truthful to who we are and to walk tall with integrity. It was believed the Sabe walked among us to remind us of the creator’s wish to stay true to our natural self.
RESPECT
Frederick R. McDonald
THE RAVEN, 2015
Aluminum
“Two rivers converging around an island
Rivers carrying our hopes and dreams of the future
Rivers flowing with thoughts and words and stories
Raven lands with wings wide, feathers swooshing
Ravens caw and chatter, yell and yammer
Ravens talk and tell their tales of bears and birds and bees
Talons clinging to a spiritual realm, touching curiosity and intelligence
Holding a collective, a communal connection with the environment
Uniting us, a allegiant reverence between themselves, with you and I
There’s respect for the land and the animals, with respect for all time
A respect that grasps and embraces history, our stories and theirs
Ravens respect the ‘now’, with an eye for opportunity and possibility"
