Alicia-Lynn Morin, an independent self-taught artist raised in Welland, stands with her artwork pieces that will be displayed in the Outpatient Mental Health Unit at the Marotta Family Hospital.
Today, Niagara Health unveiled three Indigenous artwork pieces that will be displayed in our Outpatient Mental Health Units at the Marotta Family, Niagara Falls and Welland hospitals.
The art pieces created by local Indigenous artists Alicia-Lynn Morin, Richard Langlois and Delbert JayR Jonathan, were revealed during a special event live-streamed to the community, reflecting Niagara Health’s commitment to fostering culturally safe and inclusive spaces for healing and connection.
This initiative began in June, when Niagara Health and the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team issued a call for Indigenous artists to apply for three commissions to create art pieces for our Outpatient Mental Health Units. The response was overwhelming, with nine beautiful art submissions received and more than 400 staff and community member selections cast.
“These artworks are a testament to our Journey to Reconciliation plan, which provides us with a roadmap for building cultural safety and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities,” says Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO. “The pieces reflect our commitment to Putting People First, establishing a safe and welcoming space tailored to Indigenous needs and nurturing a sense of belonging and trust within the Indigenous community.”
The art pieces are inspired by the principal of two-eyed seeing, which integrates Indigenous knowledge with Western healing practices. “Healing is deeply personal and cultural,” says Charity Beland, Manager, Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team. “These artworks remind us to value both perspectives and the connections that ground us.”
"Having these art pieces in our Outpatient Mental Health Units represents a beacon of comfort and connection for all our clients – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike,” says Robin Crown, Clinical Manager, Outpatient Mental Health and Addictions. “These pieces will remind everyone who walks through our doors that they are not alone, and they are entering a space where they will be seen, valued and supported on their healing journey.”
Alicia-Lynn Morin, an independent self-taught artist raised in Welland, chose to create three canvases each with a bear, representing the three sisters – corn, bean and squash.
“In our culture, the three sisters represent strength, power and wisdom - which is exactly what we all have within ourselves,” says Morin.
The trio of canvases will be displayed in the Outpatient Mental Health Unit at the Marotta Family Hospital.
“It’s emotional to think that this is something so grand. Our people are being seen, heard and apart of something so incredible,” she says.
From left: Linda Boich, Executive Vice-President, Patient Experience and Integrated Care; Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO; Alicia-Lynn Morin, Independent Artist; Charity Beland, Manager, Indigenous Health Services and Robin Crown, Clinical Manager, Outpatient Mental Health and Addictions.
Delbert JayR Jonathan, a Mohawk artist from the Turtle clan who belongs to the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, is familiar to Niagara Health, having previously worked with the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team to create an art piece which is displayed in our Emergency Departments across our hospital sites.
Jonathan’s digitally-created piece features plant life, emphasizing the role of people as life teachers and offering a sense of grounding and connection to the land and its guardians. His piece will be displayed in the Outpatient Mental Health Unit at the Welland Hospital.
“To be selected to be a part this artwork selection is phenomenal,” says Jonathan. “I never thought in a day of my life that I would see our people represented in the ways that we are today - and that to me is a big deal.”
From left: Shyann Jenkin, Indigenous Community Outreach and Engagement and Robin Crown, Clinical Manager, Outpatient Mental Health and Addictions.
Local Niagara artist Richard Langlois chose to create his piece on a traditional hide, honouring the methods used in Indigenous paintings over 150 years ago.
His piece will be displayed in its original form in the Outpatient Mental Health Unit at the Niagara Falls Hospital.
“In my design, I incorporated a bear, eagle and medicine wheel,” says Langlois. “The medicine wheel contains all the medicines and directions. The bear represents the protector of traditions and medicines, while the eagle carries our prayers to the Creator. I felt that combining these three elements would offer support and guidance on someone’s healing journey.”
From left: Richard Langlois, Independent Artist and Charity Beland, Manager, Indigenous Health Services.
The artwork pieces will be installed in the coming weeks at the three hospital sites. For more information about the Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team, visit Niagara Health’s website.
Watch the ceremony
