Sculpture honours indigenous heritage
Victoria Park could soon become the permanent home of a new sculpture that commemorates the history of First Nations and Metis peoples in Saskatoon, including the tragic legacy of residential schools.
THE SCULPTURE
The stainless steel sculpture called Where Our Paths Cross would stand 10.67 metres and feature an arch that reaches a height of 8.2 metres. The sculpture would feature two poles that cross, as well as colourful jingles and fringes.
THE SPOT
The proposed location for the sculpture is in the north part of Victoria Park between Avenue D South and Avenue E South.
THE PURPOSE
The sculpture was commissioned by the City of Saskatoon in co-operation with the Saskatoon Tribal Council as part of the efforts to respond to the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. One of the recommendations calls for collaboration on heritage and commemoration of indigenous history.
THE MEANING
The sculpture aims to acknowledge Saskatoon as Treaty Six territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis. The longer pole, which points north, symbolizes First Nations’ long history. The shorter of the two poles, which points south, represents Metis history. The fact the poles cross shows how the two peoples’ paths crossed. The 29 sets of healing jingles on the First Nations pole represent the 29 communities in Treaty Six territory whose children were taken and relocated to residential schools. The colourful metal sash fringes on the Metis pole represent generations of injustice and denial of culture.
THE PROCESS
A selection committee reviewed proposals from three shortlisted artists before settling on Gordon Reeve’s submission for Where Our Paths Cross. The committee included two elders and representatives from the Saskatoon Tribal Council and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The sculpture and its location also received the blessing of the Riversdale Community Association.
THE ARTIST
Reeve, a native of Chatham, Ont., has a background in public art projects and aboriginal art. Among his most noteworthy works is a steel sculpture tribute to Chief Tecumseh in his Ontario hometown.
WHAT’S SPECIAL
The proposal includes a radiant heating system for the sculpture so people can find comfort from Mother Earth in winter. It is also designed so it reflects the sun during the day and the moon at night.
THE COST
The project is mostly funded by a $250,000 grant from the federal government to the Saskatoon Tribal Council. The city is paying an additional $26,000 and providing some assistance from city staff. It will cost the city about $500 a year to maintain the sculpture.
WHAT’S NEXT
The project got approval from the Meewasin Valley Authority at its Friday board meeting. Saskatoon city council will vote on the project at its next meeting on June 26. If council approved, the sculpture is expected to be installed by the spring of 2018.