Latest news with #IndigenousArt
CTV News
14 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Indigenous sculpture finds final resting place at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
A controversial 26-foot sculpture of an Indigenous man made out of white pine was laid to rest Thursday morning during a special ceremony. A 26-foot carving of an Indigenous man made from white pine was laid to rest Thursday morning during a special ceremony at the Canadian Ecology Centre just outside of Mattawa, Ont. The sculpture, called 'Nibissing,' disappeared for seven years in storage and was returned to the land Thursday, where it will be used as a teaching lesson. Sculpture 4 It was first erected in September 1988 as part of a series of more than 70 carvings called the 'Trail of the Whispering Giants' created by Florida artist Peter 'Wolf' Toth. (Supplied) The sculpture was prominently displayed on the North Bay landscape for three decades. 'It's important that we not be seen as people of the past. We're still here,' said Maurice Switzer, a board member for the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre. It was first erected in September 1988 as part of a series of more than 70 carvings called the 'Trail of the Whispering Giants' created by Florida artist Peter 'Wolf' Toth. He carved one statue for each U.S. state before creating the sculpture that would stand in North Bay. 'The purpose of my work is … that it honours people facing injustice,' Toth told CTV News from his studio near Edgewater, Fla. Sculpture 3 It was first erected in September 1988 as part of a series of more than 70 carvings called the 'Trail of the Whispering Giants' created by Florida artist Peter 'Wolf' Toth. (File image) North Bay was the first Canadian location to receive a sculpture after Toth was invited to visit the city in the 1980s. The city approached the Rotary Club of Nipissing to sponsor it. For decades, it stood at the corner of Seymour Street and the Highway 11/17 bypass beside the former home of the Dionne Quintuplets. 'It brought a lot of people to the North Bay in terms of seeing it because it was the first statue outside of the States,' said Tony Limina, the former president of the Rotary Club. When the Dionne home was moved to its Oak Street location in 2018 by the Lake Nipissing waterfront, the sculpture was hauled away and put into storage. Over time, it started to crack and was deemed not suitable for relocation. Sculpture 2 A 26-foot carving of an Indigenous man made from white pine was laid to rest Thursday morning during a special ceremony at the Canadian Ecology Centre just outside of Mattawa, Ont. (Eric Taschner/CTV News) Switzer said while it was made with the best intentions, it's not culturally appropriate in modern society. Good intention 'It's not considered appropriate that any peoples, whether they're black, white, yellow or red, to be mascots or stereotypes or caricatures,' he said. 'But that doesn't diminish the original good intention that the Rotarians had. We're very much present. Many people don't know that, for example, in the City of North Bay, there are 7,000 urban Indigenous residents, including myself.' When Bill Steer, founder and general manager of the ecology centre, learned that the statue was in storage, he wanted to preserve it and find a new home for it. He worked with Limina and Switzer among other Indigenous representatives to find it a new home, but in a way that would respect Indigenous culture and tradition. Sculpture 1 The sculpture, called 'Nibissing,' disappeared for seven years in storage and was returned to the land Thursday, where it will be used as a teaching lesson. (Eric Taschner/CTV News) So, a small ceremony was held Thursday afternoon to welcome the sculpture to the Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, where it will be laid on the ground and it can be used as an educational tool -- before nature eventually takes its course. Return to Mother Earth Much like retired totem poles on the west coast, eventually after time, the sculpture will deteriorate and go back into the Earth. 'Understanding the current culture that we're in and the current situation, it's a great opportunity in terms of how to bring it back to Mother Earth in a respectful way,' Limina said. Steer said thousands of students and adults will be able to come by and see the sculpture and learn about its journey. 'Murray Sinclair once said 'Education got us into this mess and education will get us out of this mess,'' he said. 'I think this is an educational opportunity … It's part of the many calls to action and the Truth and Reconciliation." Toth said he is happy with the outcome. He's hoping people who visit the sculpture will reflect on injustice Indigenous people have faced over the years. 'These statues are made to honour the First Nations in Canada,' he added.
ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
Globally recognised Lockhart River Art Centre on verge of collapse
The future of an internationally acclaimed Indigenous art centre in Queensland is in doubt, with directors on the verge of calling in liquidators. The Lockhart River Art Centre is best known for a group of famous artists called the Lockhart River Art Gang, who have had work shown overseas. They include Rosella Namok, Adrian King, Samantha Hobson, Fiona Omeenyo, Evelyn Sandy, and the late Silas Hobson, who all emerged in the small Indigenous community on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula, about 800 kilometres from Cairns. The art centre is run by Lockhart River Arts Indigenous Corporation, a registered charity that reports to the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. The corporation is accused of two counts of failing to lodge annual reports with the registrar, and one count of failing to lodge a general report. Solicitor Caitlin Miller, representing the corporation, on Wednesday told the Cairns Magistrates Court that "steps are being taken to … appoint a liquidator." Adam Knight, a collector and dealer of Indigenous art, said Lockhart River became iconic for its "distinct style, completely different to Indigenous art produced in other parts of Australia". He said the 30-year-old art centre's "nationally and internationally recognised artists of significance … were very, very important in the growth of Queensland Indigenous art." "There are dealers in this industry already that I know have been trying to help and buying paintings for probably more than they're worth and taking on things just to try and keep it going as long as they can," Mr Knight said. Ms Miller told the court the decision to enter liquidation was made "in the last week or so", although directors were yet to make a formal resolution. "I'm unable to provide the court with any certainty around the timing … but I understand those involved, the defendant and other professional advisers, are working quickly to make this happen," she said. The corporation has yet to enter a plea to the regulatory breaches. Magistrate Leanne Scoines adjourned the case until next month. Dorothy Hobson, a renowned local artist and local councillor on the board of the corporation, declined to comment. Mr Knight said Lockhart River Art Centre had struggled in recent years, following the deaths of some artists and the relocation of others away from the remote community. "A lot of other art centres probably have the benefit of a larger Indigenous population that comes through and fills those artistic gaps, where probably Lockhart hasn't had the luxury of that," he said. He said while global Aboriginal art sales were strong, the domestic market had lagged in the past two years in a "pretty tough economic environment". Mr Knight said the art centre was worth "millions" to the community economically and for its health benefits. In a statement, Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council CEO David Clarke said the council would "consider matters of continuity once all information is to hand on the current facility and board". "Council also understands the importance of the creative arts to our community with a long and strong history of dance and arts production," Mr Clarke said. Mr Knight said he believed it was the state and federal government's responsibility "to ensure it survives". "What's happening in the Queensland Indigenous art space is very exciting and Lockhart River has to be considered a very significant part of that," he said. "It's no time to let something like that fade away."
CBC
6 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Owner of Robertson Trading surveys wildfire damage that burned historic building to the ground
Scott Robertson said the store held a lifetime's worth of Indigenous artwork, beadwork and history.
CTV News
7 days ago
- CTV News
Historic Indigenous artwork lost in La Ronge wildfire
WATCH: Historic Robertsons Trading Post – once home to generations of Indigenous artwork – and Rona Store were lost when wildfire breached La Ronge. Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual After an anxious wait, residents of La Ronge are finally making their way home following a wildfire evacuation. The historic Robertson's Trading Post - once home to generations of Indigenous artwork - was lost to the flames. The neighbouring Rona store burned to the ground. 'Everybody knew that Robertson's was a special place, that it reflected the history of northern Saskatchewan and Indigenous people,' said owner Scott Robertson. 'Everybody feels the loss, and I say this over and over. It wasn't just a loss for the Robertson family. I mean, this community will be hard pressed to replace this.' Seven thousand people were forced to head south on June 2, leaving their homes behind. On Thursday around 7,000 evacuees, mostly from the La Ronge area began returning home On Thursday around 7,000 evacuees, mostly from the La Ronge area began returning home as crews have been able to take advantage of recent rainfall and attack nearby wildfires more aggressively. (Jasmine Pelletier/CTV News) While most of the structures in La Ronge remain, several homes north of town at Eagle Point were sadly lost to the flames, with little remaining of the buildings. Those who did not lose their homes are relieved. 'It's a little bittersweet, but it's awesome to be home,' said one evacuee who returned June 12. 'Our properties are good. We look after 144 properties. So, we were really happy that everything was good when we got home.' 'I feel better, I'm back at home,' said another evacuee. Northerners who do their shopping in the hub of La Ronge are finally able to grab some much-needed groceries. The emergency room is now open, but pharmacies remain closed until June 13. 'There's choppers still picking things out, and there's activity to the south of us,' said La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski about the current fire situation. 'But we've been reassured that security will be safe, and we didn't want to prolong the evacuation. People are having some issues there to the south, accessing service.'As evacuees continue to arrive, the focus will shift to recovery.
CTV News
13-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘Everybody feels the loss': Northern Sask. wildfire evacuees return home to La Ronge
There are mixed emotions in La Ronge, Saskatchwan as some evacuees returned to a home while others returned to ruined remains. Allison Bamford reports. Thousands of evacuees started returning home to Northern Saskatchewan today, after raging wildfires forced them to flee more than a week ago. Fires levelled several houses and cabins in areas surrounding La Ronge. Within the townsite, two businesses were lost - Robertson Trading and Rona next door. 'I'm still in the process of processing, if that makes sense. I drive by here everyday. I find it hard to believe,' said Scott Robertson, co-owner of the fur trading company. 'Everybody feels the loss.' Wildfire Scott Robertson stands in front of the rubble where his family trading post once stood. The trading company was a cultural pillar and popular tourist attraction in the community for nearly six decades. It closed permanently last year when Robertson retired. He made sure to still open the doors periodically when demand called for it. Inside, Robertson housed about 100 furs and countless Indigenous artifacts, artworks and clothing -– items that told the history of the fur trade, settlers and Indigenous peoples. 'I always felt that this town should have some kind of an art gallery, a cultural center. And so we hoarded all kinds of stuff, hoping one day, somewhere, somehow, that would evolve,' he said. 'By doing that, by keeping all of our eggs in one basket, it turns out to be a gigantic mistake.' wildfire A photo of Robertson Trading before it burned down. The day after officials issued a mandatory evacuation order, a stray ember set fire to Rona, Robertson said. He watched from the parking lot across the street as his building went up in flames next. 'I'm just taking it one day at a time. We're not going to resurrect this building. I can't see it happening,' he said. Besides losing the business that's been in his family for the last 56 years, Robertson came close to losing his cabin. Flames surrounded the property as Robertson's brother fought with a single pump to save the building. But their sister's property about 100 metres away could not be saved. 'Happy to be home' About 7,000 residents from La Ronge, Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band were allowed to go back into their communities as of Thursday morning. A mandatory evacuation order was issued on June 2. Maggie Roberts kissed her doorway as she walked back into her house. 'I'm just happy to be home that's all I can say,' Roberts told CTV News. 'My house is still here (and) my truck.' Roberts didn't know what she'd see coming home, after she heard the fires were just up the hill from her house. 'We're good friends with the doctor who lives up the hill, so he was taking care of the place,' she said. La Ronge mayor Joe Hordyski stayed behind to help his community. 'I made it perfectly clear that I would not allow our firefighters to defend our community without me being there to support,' he said. Power and utilities are running in the area. The emergency department is open, and the rest of the community's healthcare services will be available in the coming days. Schools will reopen next week. But the mayor said it won't be a complete return to normal. 'There's still going to be fire activity happening. There are choppers still putting things out, and there's activity to the south of us,' Hordyski said. 'We've been reassured that the community will be safe. And we didn't want to prolong the evacuation.' The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is on the ground to support the repatriation. Mental health resources are also available.
