The City of Hamilton unveiled its newest art installation created by a local Indigenous artist as it marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the City.
Standing 40 feet tall, “All Our Relations” features five panels full of glass beads that represent traditional Indigenous teachings.
The installation was created by Hamilton-based artist and fashion designer Angela DeMontigny of Cree and Metis heritage.
Speaking of the art piece, DeMontigny says “All our relations is our way of giving thanks to all of creation … it’s the circle of life, it’s honouring all living things, beings, celestial beings. it’s about the connectedness to everything.”
“It’s all about the community, this was the reason I did this. to have people come together, we now have a dedicated space for the urban Indigenous community to not only have ceremonies and gatherings and things, but for the community to get together. This is about unity.”
This year is the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.
An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential or day schools in Canada between the 1880s and 1996, when the last school closed.
Today’s unveiling took place at Bayfront Park, though more celebrations were held throughout the day in Gage Park and in Brantford.
