Collège Boréal's Centre Louis-Riel proudly unveiled, on October 20, the artwork of Anishinaabe/Ojibway artist Will Morin.
The art work with (from left to right): Lyne Michaud, Vice-President, Academic at Collège Boréal; Marc Hébert, Chair of Collège Boréal's Conseil d'éducation autochtone (Indigenous Education Council); Richard Meilleur, Elder at Collège Boréal's Centre Louis-Riel ; Will Morin, artist; Daniel Giroux, President of Collège Boréal
The sculpture now appears on the west façade of the main building on Collège Boréal's campus in Sudbury, outside the Au pied du rocher restaurant. The work, which is also intended to be a "cultural tool", combines the basic elements of an ordinary compass with the medicine wheel and dream catcher, elements that hold important teachings in Anishinaabe culture.
At the unveiling ceremony, Centre Louis-Riel Elder Richard Meilleur first welcomed participants who gathered at the unveiling as well as virtually. Artist Will Morin then passionately described his work and its significance, from the symbols of the seven Anishinaabe clans to the turtle, the medicine wheel and the dream catcher. Centre Louis-Riel manager Éric Dupuis said he was touched by the symbolism and teachings of the work, which will also serve as an awareness and education tool and a constant reminder of everyone's responsibility to commit to truth and reconciliation efforts. Collège Boréal President Daniel Giroux also reiterated the college's commitment to reconciliation, emphasizing the richness of Indigenous traditions and teachings.
Quotes
"For more than 10 years now, Collège Boréal's Centre Louis-Riel has been doing exceptional work in awareness and education. Its importance within the college is undeniable and growing as we openly engage in truth and reconciliation efforts. The work is beautiful, but more importantly, meaningful, and reminds us of the richness and depth of Indigenous traditions and teachings and how fundamentally connected this culture is to our land. I hope that as we walk by this work on a daily basis and become more open Indigenous legends and teachings, we will all want to become more and more open to each other."
-Daniel Giroux, President of Collège Boréal
"Our desire to engage and participate in reconciliation efforts immediately led us to local artist Will Morin. We discussed with him the best way to show our support and commitment. The idea of creating a work of art quickly became apparent. Will Morin has created not only a beautiful piece of art, but also a visual and powerful symbol that highlights the presence of Indigenous people here at Collège Boréal."
-Éric Dupuis, Manager of the Centre Louis-Riel at Collège Boréal
