News

St. Joseph's Care Group Unveils Art Installation Honouring Robinson Superior Treaty

Date: 2024-11-08

November 8, 2024

Thunder Bay, ON - Art is a great communicator of word, thought, and emotion. As we mark Treaties Recognition Week 2024, St. Joseph's Care Group is honoured to unveil a permanent art centred on the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850. Located in the main hallway of St. Joseph's Hospital, hundreds of clients, visitors and staff will be warmly welcomed by the new display and oriented to the space in which we live and work.

We were honoured to be joined by Fort William First Nation Chief Michele Solomon, who spoke about the importance of taking the time to share information and truth. Guests also heard from Janine Black, President & CEO of St. Joseph's Care Group, and Andrew Koscielniak, Director of Indigenous Relations with N'doo'owe Binesi.

"This work was created with purpose," says Paul Francis Jr., Vice President, N'doo'owe Binesi. "Visually, it's an education rooted in Anishinaabek culture and history that acknowledges the complex and painful histories of treaties and residential schools." Francis notes that the placement of the installation next to Nagishkodaadiwin, the Spiritual Gathering Lodge, was deliberate because it's an intersection of the healing power of ceremony, connection and community.

"The Seven Clans," an original artwork by Jessica Mamakeesick, forms the backdrop and centre of the display. "The artwork honours the animals that represent the seven primary clans of the Anishinaabek of the region, serving as a visual testament to the strength, interconnectedness and spiritual teachings of these clans, each with it's own unique roles and responsibilities," explained Mamakeesick.

"The unveiling of the Treaty is not taken lightly by St. Joseph's Care Group. It was preceded, and will be followed, by staff education as we work towards equitable healthcare that is safe and welcoming of the Anishinaabek," said Janine Black. "The installation is just one piece of a larger commitment to prioritizing Anishinaabek history and medicines to create a place of welcome and healing for mind, body, spirit, and emotion."

Thank you to everyone who attended the unveiling earlier today. It was an event filled with excitement, laughter, and hope for the future.

The installation is now available to view in the Main Hallway at St. Joseph's Hospital. Smaller versions of the display will be installed across our other sites in 2025.

For more information, please contact:

St. Joseph's Care Group
Communications & Government Relations
Media Line: 807-768-4455
Email: sjcg@tbh.net