The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has announce the unveiling of Indigenous artwork at its Chatham Site.
This milestone marks another step forward in the organization’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism.
The artwork consists of four pieces, created by Celeste Noah of Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit, Delaware Nation.
Collectively these art pieces reflect a rich tapestry of Indigenous tradition, intertwining storytelling and vibrant colours.
“Ms. Noah’s artwork serves as a powerful expression of connection to land, tradition, and spirituality,” said Deb Crawford, Board Chair, CKHA, in a press release.
“We are so pleased this art is now a permanent part of our Chatham Site and hope that it will inspire meaningful conversations and foster a greater understanding of Indigenous culture.”
“We are delighted Ms. Noah has created this wonderful artwork for our hospital. This milestone marks another step forward in CKHA’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism,” added Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA, in a press release.
Through consultation with CKHA’s Patient Experience Community Advisory Council, the artwork was installed in the Ambulatory Care waiting room, Dialysis waiting room, Intensive Care Unit family waiting room and in the Reflection Space.
Each piece of artwork is accompanied with a descriptive plaque for patients, families and visitors to learn about their meaning.
“I learned how to watercolour paint during the COVID-19 lockdown; it was a new hobby I picked up to occupy my time. I searched for other Native watercolour artists online but could only find one example, so I used my knowledge and creativity to paint our people wearing their regalia, colourful in motion. I submitted this piece to CKHA’s call for Indigenous artists and I was shocked I was chosen. I’m so pleased to receive the opportunity to share Indigenous storytelling through my art with the hospital,” said Noah, in a press release.
The addition of Indigenous artwork at the Chatham Site was made possible through CKHA’s Innovation Grant Program.
The program offers staff, physicians, volunteers and patient advisors the opportunity to bring forward ideas to make positive change at CKHA that either benefit patients or benefit the quality of the workplace for colleagues.
In early 2023, the hospital’s WeRCKHA Staff Engagement Council voted on the grant submissions – Indigenous artwork for the Chatham and Wallaceburg sites were chosen as two of seven $1000 grant recipients. Following the grant recipient announcements, CKHA put out the call for Indigenous artists to submit an application for this opportunity, with Celeste Noah chosen as the successful candidate for the Chatham Site.
The installation of Ms. Noah’s artwork in Chatham follows the addition of “Revitalizing River” created by Mariah Alexander of Walpole Island First Nation at the Wallaceburg Site.
CKHA would like to extend sincere gratitude to Ms. Noah for sharing her talents and providing the hospital with four meaningful pieces of artwork.
