A mural has been unveiled at the Walpole Island site of the Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres (CKCHC).
The mural, created by Walpole Island First Nation resident Ariel Williams, is titled “A Part of Us” and adorns a wall in the waiting area at the Walpole Island site.
CKCHC is very grateful to the Creative County Grant Program which provided funding towards this project in the amount of $2,500.
CKCHC put out a call for Indigenous artists from Walpole Island First Nation to design and paint a mural in the front lobby or waiting area that represents the community and makes the connection to land with recognition that connection to land is a good medicine and strength for Indigenous people.
Ariel Williams was chosen as the successful candidate.
Sherri Saunders, executive director, said this mural will add beauty, promotes inclusivity and connection to Bkejwanong Territory which represents CKCHC’s commitment to honour the traditional lands that we are privileged to provide care and service delivery on as a mainstream organization.
“We are honoured to have Ariel William’s artwork and hope that it will inspire meaningful conversations and foster a greater understanding the local Indigenous culture adding to the healing and welcoming environment of the centre,” Saunders said, in a media release, adding the mural features various Indigenous species, lands and waterways that are some of the healing aspects of Bkejwanong Territory.
With this body of work, Williams proposed to CKCHC an idea based on indigenous people’s connection to the land.
“The land is so meaningful and sacred to us that it isn’t just a place where we physically are, but rather a part of ourselves, it’s in our identity,” Williams said in a media release.
“Within my practice, I wanted to explore how this connection can be used as a good medicine and bring strength to indigenous people,” This is the largest painting I’ve done so far in my career. I’m grateful to bring this idea to life and share it with my local community. As people walk into this space and see the mural, I hope it brings them joy and comfort. Just as this beautiful island we call home brings to all of us.”
Wahbzii Shognosh-Diaz, Traditional Healing Outreach Worker and Walpole Island First Nation resident, said Williams did an exceptional job capturing the essence of home in this painting.
“It is both comforting and nostalgic – whether it be to a time long ago or not so long ago,” Shognosh-Diaz said, in a press release.
“To the older generations, it may include a reflection on long days in the marsh, hunting, fishing, or gathering for survival. The Land truly was the lifeline for many in years past. To the younger ones, it may bring up memories of a day out on the water, learning to hunt, fish, or gather with relatives. They may recall memories of laughs had, stories shared, or lessons learned. The title ‘A Part of Us’ perfectly encapsulates what the Land means to us.”
Williams is an indigenous artist from Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island, Ontario, Canada) who graduated in 2019 from the Fine Art program at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario.
Williams’ contemporary practice explores the concept of Indigenous Futurism and creating post-modern landscapes, breaking away from the stereotypical ideas of what indigenous art should look like.
Taking inspiration from her reservation, western art, video games, and imagination she creates atmospheric paintings that draw in the viewer.
Williams’ work has been shown in numerous exhibitions within Ontario.
She has won multiple awards, including People’s Choice at the 47th annual juried Indigenous Art 2022 Exhibition at Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, Ontario.
