The Indigenous Health Services team recently completed a callout for Indigenous artists to apply for three commissions to create art pieces that will be displayed in our Outpatient Mental Health Units in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland. This initiative aims to enhance support for clients by nurturing a welcoming and safe environment. Community feedback will play a significant role in determining the final selection of art pieces for display.
Please remember to respect the time and talent of community members. We have watermarked the designs with the Ojibwe syllabic for respect. In the Ojibwe language, this symbol means more than just respect - it can mean to go easy on, to spare or to honour. It also signifies receptivity and mutual respect for each other.
Artwork Submissions
Submission A
This Indigenous artist, who identifies as Cree from Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan, currently resides in the Niagara Region. Their passion for art has been a path to healing and wellness from generational traumas experienced throughout their life. Embracing their culture daily, they take pride in their sobriety. The artist’s interpretation of the three bears represents the three sisters—corn, squash, and beans—which support each other's growth when planted together. Bears symbolize strength, power, and wisdom in Cree culture.
Submission B
Residing in the Niagara region, the artist has connected deeply with their Indigenous roots for more than 35 years. Their work reflects this connection, drawing on cultural elements for direction and purpose in their art and healing. The design features a bear, symbolizing the medicine it brings, an eagle representing love, and a medicine wheel illustrating traditional medicines and wellness. Although the design shown is a larger piece, it will be adapted to fit the specified size.
Submission C
The artist, based in Niagara Falls, has created numerous murals and art pieces in the area. This design incorporates natural wellness practices specific to the Niagara region.
Submission D
Currently residing in Niagara Falls, the artist has contributed many murals and art pieces to the region. This particular design blends both Western and traditional healing practices within a hospital setting.
Submission E
Currently residing in Niagara Falls, the artist’s previous work includes murals and art pieces. This design reflects traditional healing practices within a medicine wheel inside a hospital.
Submission F
Based in Niagara Falls, the artist has produced various murals and art pieces in the region. This design illustrates unity by depicting people coming together.
Submission G
Living in Niagara Falls, the artist’s work includes numerous murals and art pieces in the area. This design highlights the wellness associated with water and water animals and serves as a reminder to reflect on the creation story.
Submission H
Having lived and worked in the Niagara Region, the artist has moved away to support their Indigenous community’s wellness. This piece conveys the passing of ancestral knowledge of the land.
Submission I
The artist, who has lived and worked in the Niagara Region, has moved to support their Indigenous community with wellness initiatives. This design features plant life and emphasizes the role of people as life teachers, offering a sense of grounding and connection to the land and its guardians.
Extraordinary Caring. Every Person. Every Time.
