Indigenous artwork unveiled at the Muskoka, Orangeville and South Georgian Bay campuses
July 26, 2022
Georgian recently unveiled Indigenous artwork by alumna Chantelle Marchand at the Muskoka, Orangeville and John Di Poce South Georgian Bay campuses.
Marchand, whose spirit name is Anangokaa, studied Fine Arts at Georgian and graduated in 2020. She is honoured to have her artwork displayed at her alma mater.
“I have met and learned from so many wonderful people at Georgian and the Indigenous Resource Centre over the years,” she says. “So many have gracefully helped me with my reconnection journey along the way, which has really helped me understand myself and my arts in new ways. I just hope to brighten students’ days with the art being displayed.”
For Marchand, creating things is how she understands the world around her, celebrates her existence and finds closeness with the Creator.
“I have begun to see my art as a form of prayer; my spirit exists within the things I create, and I create that spiritual experience for others when they encounter it. I celebrate the things I find beautiful, and I feel closer to creation when I create,” she says.
She describes her inspiration for each of the three pieces of custom artwork.
Nishiimewag
(means my younger sisters in Ojibwe)
On display at the John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus
Nishiimewag depicts four girls ice fishing on the lake. To me, this represents healing on the land through traditional activities, or any other activities and connections. The four girls are reflective of my three sisters and I. I find healing with my inner child by remembering the times we were together and learning. I remember my sisters digging holes in the ice with smiles on their faces, and the littlest one playing in the snow.
Miskwaadesi
(means turtle in Ojibwe)
On display at the Muskoka Campus
I chose to depict the Painted Turtle, as it is a turtle I have connected with on the land that reminds me of finding truths and peace within nature. I explore my personal truths through painting and arts, and feel connected to the creator through my own creations. The painted marks and the nature of the turtle connects me to this idea. The turtle also represents truth within the 7 Grandfather Teachings, and so I thought it would be a fitting symbol for students to experience.
Waawaashkeshi
(means deer in Ojibwe)
On display at the Orangeville Campus
When I was young, I prayed to ask if I should hunt with my father. The next week, a small deer came into my life before going to a rehabilitation centre. The deer as a symbol has since reminded me of its gentle nature, place in nature, and reminder of my own responsibility to respect and sustain the land.
Marchand continues to study at Georgian, now in the Indigenous Community and Social Development program.
You can see Marchand’s creations on her Instagram accounts. Her artwork can be found @chantellecreatess and her beadwork @chantellebeads.