Anishnaabe artist Emily Kewageshig, left, and Saugeen First Nation elder Shirley John look to share at the unveiling of Ms. Kewageshig's piece commisisoned to grace the main entrance of Georgian College's Owen Sound campus.

Emily Kewageshig watched as her major new piece became part of the Georgian College community during an unveiling ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 30, in the main entrance of the Owen Sound campus.

She's called it Across The Horizon, and it speaks to transcending the barriers faced in our educational journeys.

As a recent graduate of Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCAD) Ms. Kewageshig is freshly through some of those barriers, and the Anishnaabe artist from Saugeen First Nation No. 29 has produced a piece that will welcome students – and find welcome from them – for generations to come.

Artist Emily Kewageshig, above centre, supported by elder Shirley John, right, and Judy Nadjiwan, education administrator, Chippewas of Nawash Board of Education. Below, Ms. Kewageshig and her stunning creation.

More than 50 college students, professors, administrators and guests were on hand for the unveiling, part of the launch of the College's new Indigenization strategy on its path to Truth and Reconciliation.

Emily Kewageshig, centre, with her piece Across The Horizon, commissioned by Georgian College for the front entrance of the Owen Sound campus.

The work was commissioned by Greg McGregor, the college's manager of Indigenous Services. It's part of Georgian's commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous education, and Indigenization of the college. Each college campus will be unveiling its own Indigenous artwork as part of this path.

Greg McGregor, right,  Georgian College manager of Indigenous Services, is photographed by college visual media and communications specialist Doug Crawford, in front of the Emily Kewageshig piece McGregor commissioned for the front entrance of the Owen Sound campus.

College president and CEO Kevin Weaver introduced the new strategy Maajiishkaadaa, Let's Move Forward Together, that will guide the college over the next two years. The strategy is grounded by feedback from Georgian's Indigenous partners, along with college students and employees, and is focussed on six pillars:

• Truth and Reconciliation
• Leadership
• Representation
• Community engagement
• Curriculum and pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching)
• Cultural enrichment

The unveiling was more of a carting-away, but those on hand were just as appreciative.

Georgian College President and CEO Kevin Weaver, left, and Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy share the unveiling with elder Shirley John, whose blessings and teachings were an integral part of Wednesday morning's ceremony and celebration.

At the close of the two-year Maajiishkaadaa initiative the college plans to continue its consultations in order to determine the progess that's been made and the next steps forward.

 – by Hub staff
David Galway