Less than a year after a call for proposals went out to Indigenous artists for a piece of public art to show Oxenden neighbours’ commitment to reconciliation, Anishnaabaek artist Charmaine Jenner Tauchkwe’s stunning portrait of Ajiijak (The Crane) will be unveiled. People are invited to join neighbours, friends and First Nations advisors to welcome Ajiijak on Saturday August 13 at 3 p.m. at the Oxenden intersection of Grey Road 1 and Zion Church Road. This community celebration, marking a new chapter of friendship and respect, will start with a sacred fire and a ceremonial blessing by Elder Strong White Buffalo Woman Shirley John, invite participants to offer thoughts about their path toward reconciliation in a Sharing Circle, and conclude with a community potluck feast and music circle led by local band, the Keppel Bandits.

Artist Charmaine Jenner Tauchkwe will join the celebration to introduce Ajiijak’s rich symbolism and messages, “Ajiijak, Crane represents leadership among the Anishnahbeh,a trait much needed in the process of reconciliation. The figure within Ajiijak’s body represents the spirit of creation, It is everyone's responsibility to protect creation as we ourselves are a part of Creation we are connected. Everything in creation has a sacred balance. The Crane is standing on one leg to represent the delicate balance.”

Oxenden neighbour Heidi Tones commented “the arrival of Ajiijak is a beginning, not an end. We have so much to learn about the First Nations peoples who have lived on and stewarded these lands for generations and continue to be so generous in sharing their knowledge about sustainable practices and their willingness to rebuild trust and respectful relationships with those of us residing with them today.”

While the arrival of Ajiijak marks the end of the Oxenden Indigenous Art Project, organizers plan to continue, individually and together, working with First Nations neighbours, toward reconciliation and hope that this project will inspire other communities to pursue initiatives that bring them closer to right relationships with Indigenous cultures and peoples.

Anyone interested in attending this free event is asked to register at Eventbrite so that organizers know how many people to prepare for. For more information about the Oxenden Indigenous Art Project, go to the website. At https://oxendenindigenousartproject.weebly.com/