A community-funded step toward reconciliation through public art
AJIIJAK (THE CRANE) HAS ARRIVED !
Created by Neyaashiinigmiing Artist, Charmaine Jenner Of several high quality proposals, this painting by local self-taught Woodland-style artist Charmaine Jenner (Tauchkwe) was selected by a jury including local residents, artists, Indigenous youth and leaders to be enlarged and installed as a large-scale piece of public art in the village of Oxenden. Having grown out of local residents’ desire and intention to honour the people and teachings that preceded settler culture in the area and to begin to right the many historic wrongs in Indigenous / settler relations, the project was entirely funded by local residents and community contributors as a symbol of their commitment to reconciliation. A high-quality enlargement of Charmaine’s Crane (Ajiijak) painting, is now permanently installed on the south wall of the Old Oxenden General Store at the corner of Grey Road 1 and Zion Church Road. The Crane is a symbol of leadership who uses its voice to speak on behalf of the people for the good of the Community and Nation. Crane lives in harmony with the land and water and takes to the air with grace and ease. We can all learn how to speak up for, and take care of the land, air and waters, so that our future generations may enjoy the beauty and sacredness of Creation. |
