CAMBRIAN COLLEGE
New Indigenous Artwork Takes its Place in Cambrian College's Wiidokaaziwin

Cambrian College has officially unveiled a new Indigenous art installation in Wiidokaaziwin (The Gathering Place), a multi-use Indigenous classroom and meeting space.

The sculptural piece, made of metal, features four wolves. It was created by Kathryn Corbiere, owner and artist of ONE KWE Modern Fabrications in M'Chigeeng on Manitoulin Island.

A new work of art comprised of four metal wolves has been installed in Wiidokaaziwin, the multi-purpose Indigenous space at Cambrian College's Barry Downe campus. The artwork was created by Kathryn Corbiere, owner of ONE KWE Modern Fabrications, and donated by Anmar Mechanical & Electrical Contractors Ltd. Pictured are (left to right):Gianni Grossi, President, Anmar; Anthony Grossi, Vice-President, Anmar; Kathryn Corbiere, Owner, ONE KWE; Andrea Dokis, Director, Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services, Cambrian College; Shawn Sobush, President, Asiniikaa Mining and Construction; Kristine Morrissey, President, Cambrian College.

"When designing this work, I thought a lot about the size and shape of this room, and what it would be like for students to be in here," explains Corbiere. "I came up with a series of running wolves because I wanted Indigenous students to feel the strength of the wolf. Wolves are pack animals. They lead in a different way, not from the front, but instead from the back. This way, the pack leaders can keep an eye on everyone, and make sure everyone is safe together. Older pack members are known to mentor younger ones, passing on the knowledge each new generation needs. These are all qualities our Indigenous culture embraces. I intentionally designed the wolves to be running, as a reminder to students to keep chasing their goals and to remember they aren't alone, a home community, a college community, and a member of a pack of new friends and mentors here at Cambrian College."  

The artwork was donated by Anmar Mechanical & Electrical Contractors Ltd.

In 2022, Anmar contributed $100,000 toward the renovation and official opening of Wiidokaaziwin.  

"When I look at this art installation, I see my brothers, the four of us collectively, mentoring each other but always together, and to me, that resonates," says Anmar President Gianni Grossi. "We're just beyond pleased with how this space turned out, and to be a part of it. Cambrian holds a special place in our hearts. My brother Anthony and I are both graduates, and we love counting ourselves as part of the community of Cambrian."

The four wolves installation is the latest work of art to be housed at Cambrian College's main campus. Wiidokaaziwin is also home to a panel of murals depicting the Seven Grandfather Teachings. There is also a collection of sculptures themed around the medicine wheel at the college's main entrance.

"This gift is deeply meaningful for our college community," adds Melanie Cacciotti, Executive Director of Alumni and Development at Cambrian College. "Wiidokaaziwin is a place grounded in respect, relationship, and learning. This artwork strengthens that purpose and reflects Cambrian's ongoing commitment to Indigenous engagement, inclusion, and reconciliation."  

Honouring Indigenous culture by deepening cultural safety and support is one key aspect of Cambrian College's new Strategic Plan, and a step along Cambrian's journey of Truth and Reconciliation. To learn more about Truth and Reconciliation at Cambrian College, visit https://Cambriancollege.ca/wabnode.