Indigenous Murals
Niagara's South Coast invited Indigenous artists to submit original mural concepts celebrating Indigenous cultures, identities, languages, and traditions. Three artists were selected for collaboration. Read more about the murals below and visit the installations at each location.
Seven Fundamental Principles of Life
Alicia-Lynn Morin
The Seven Grandfather Teachings, passed down from the Anishinaabe as guiding principles for living in harmony with creation, others, and oneself, are: Wisdom (Beaver), Love (Eagle), Respect (Buffalo), Bravery (Bear), Honesty (Sabe/Bigfoot), Humility (Wolf), and Truth (Turtle). These teachings are meant to be practiced together and provide foundational guidance for navigating daily life.
Wainfleet Public Library, 31909 Park St, Wainfleet, ON L0S 1V0
Spirits of the Carolinian
Deb Malcolm
We live among the Carolinian Forest, a great swath of natural landscape that stretches between Lakes Ontario, Huron, and Erie. The Tulip Tree depicted in the middle and the Serviceberry drawn down the sides are two of the native plant species that thrive here. The Métis Rose at the top is a design used many times over in the beading done by the artist's people, the Red River Métis.
Lincoln Pelham Public Library - Maple Acre Branch, 781 Canboro Rd, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0
Spirits of the Carolinian
Deb Malcolm
We live among the Carolinian Forest, a great swath of natural landscape that stretches between Lakes Ontario, Huron, and Erie. The Tulip Tree depicted in the middle and the Serviceberry drawn down the sides are two of the native plant species that thrive here. The Métis Rose at the top is a design used many times over in the beading done by the artist's people, the Red River Métis.
Lincoln Pelham Public Library - Maple Acre Branch, 781 Canboro Rd, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0
Sacred Waters
Kristen Monture
Inspired by Haudenosaunee values and the Seven Grandfather Teachings, this piece reflects our responsibility to live with respect, honesty, humility, bravery, wisdom, love, and truth in how we care for the natural world. It also highlights the balance and interconnectedness of ecosystems, and the important role each species plays in sustaining the land and water while honouring the teachings of our ancestors in decisions that protect the future. It reminds us that we are not separate from the natural world but deeply connected to it.
Harmony on West, 244 West St, Port Colborne, ON L3K 4E3
Niagara's South Coast is situated on treaty land. This land is steeped in the rich history of the First Nations such as the Hatiwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. There are many First Nations, Métis and Inuit from across Turtle Island that live and work here today. Niagara's South Coast stands with all Indigenous peoples, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live.