Behind the Design: Shared Experiences Woven Together in Truth

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This side of the Keepsake displays a collection of visual elements that forms an expression of Indigenous cultures and perspectives, as designed by artists Leticia Spence (First Nations), Jason Sikoak (Inuit) and JD Hawk (Métis). Forming an open circle to represent the land and the experiences shared in the vastness of the natural world, the three groupings of visual elements surround a stylized representation of roots and berries that symbolize a spiritual connection to the land, and the sustenance it provides.

The symbols each artist has chosen are displayed against this open environment without borders or indications of disconnection; the openness represents how the environment is shared, and provides a shared experience. The outer edge of the Keepsake features a Métis sash, Inuk tattoo linework, and a geometric quillwork pattern representing the First Nations. These three motifs roughly define areas within the circle, however, they are intentionally spaced apart to symbolise the vast and open land that they share.

First Nations

“This design represents familial love as expressed through the tikanagan, a kinship practice involving the whole family and community.”  – Leticia Spence, Cree Artist

First Nations rights, culture, and teachings are represented in this design by Leticia Spence, a Cree Artist. The natural element of the sun and traditional teepee lodgings on the Keepsake signify a connection to the land, while a tikanagan (a handmade woven cradle board) is held and supported by two people—symbolizing connection and traditional family support across generations. The tikanagan is also supported by symbols of water—reinforcing the connection to nature and the many waterways across the land—and a stylized fireweed flower, which symbolizes regrowth. This flower grows all across Canada, and is shared by all communities. To the left of the tikanagan is a triangular motif inspired by parfleche designs. A parfleche was a carrying bag made out of rawhide that was cleaned, stretched, and dried in the sun to make durable leather. Skilled craftswomen within the tribe would then paint these bags with geometric, abstract designs that had a strong focus on symmetry.

Métis

“This design represents our history of unity, resilience, determination, perseverance and strength to keep moving forward in a positive direction.”  – JD Hawk, Métis Artist

JD Hawk, a Métis Artist, designed the elements of the Keepsake that represent the Métis Nation. The Métis Nation is represented by the Métis sash that signifies connection—to nature, to the past, to each other. The length of the sash represents the connection of all Métis citizens no matter where they are located, while the pattern represents moving forward and the understanding of Métis origins. Beneath the sash, a beadwork flower represents resilience amid thorns that signify pain and suffering. The bison, a symbol of Métis representing strength, endurance, and determination, is bravely facing east to confront the approaching colonizers—it stands proud in the face of that challenge, in the same way bison often face directly into a storm. To the left, the infinity symbol represents the joining of two cultures, First Nations and European, and their permanent existence as a people.

Inuit

“This design represents an opportunity to share my perspective, as an Inuk whose family and friends have lived through the residential school experience. The hope is to be a voice for the unheard.” – Jason Sikoak, Nunatsiavut Artist

Designed by Jason Sikoak, a Nunatsiavut Artist, the Inuit perspective is represented by traditional tattoo line work that was taken away by colonialists and is now coming back as a sign of identity and pride, while the northern lights symbolize Inuit Nunangat and reflect the beauty of the North, as well as the North’s unique natural attributes. A brother and sister—a representation of those who were sent to residential schools—are bravely facing the challenge that lies before them. They are faceless as a representation of all the children and family members who went away; they could be anyone. To the left of the brother and sister is an ulu, a traditional curved knife that is used in the North and symbolizes knowledge and hunting traditions.

Every Child Matters

On the other side of the Keepsake, the assertion “EVERY CHILD MATTERS” appears in English and French. To the left and right we see pairs of footprints, representing ancestors walking with younger generations. At the centre of it all are orange-coloured hand prints that form the shape of the sun—the life-giving source of light and heat. Within the hands is the flame motif from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation logo, an acknowledgement of the spiritual flame that is born inside a person, while the hands are encircled by a border representing the radiating waves of the sun’s light and heat.