A transformation has taken place on the imposing brutalist walls of the Killam Memorial Library. Seven circular paintings now decorate the library's exterior, adding vibrant colour and meaning to the space.
These eye-catching artworks are the creation of Millbrook artist , known by his Mi鈥檏maw name, 鈥淲arrior on the Hill.鈥� Each painting features a different animal on a bright turquoise backdrop.
But the paintings are more than just decorative pieces; they embody the Seven Sacred Teachings of the Mi'kmaq or L'nu'k.
Rooted in the interconnection with the land and the natural world, the Seven Sacred Teachings 鈥� honesty, respect, wisdom, love, humility, courage, and truth 鈥� are embodied by the animals depicted in Julien's artwork. Julien notes that this is not the only interpretation 鈥� there are different versions of the teachings for different regions.
Each animal depicted carries significance directly related to Mi鈥檏ma鈥檏i:
Muin 鈥� bear - love
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Tia'm 鈥� moose - courage
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Plamu 鈥� salmon - honesty
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Kopit 鈥� beaver 鈥� truth
Kitpu 鈥� eagle - respect
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Paqtism 鈥� wolf - humility
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Mikjikj 鈥� turtle - wisdom
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Dalhousie鈥檚 Director of Indigenous Community Engagement听Catherine Martin expressed her excitement at the addition of the artwork and teachings, saying it made her want to dance to a ko鈥檍ua song. She asks that the Dal community 鈥渆mbrace these teachings to make it a more peaceful place for all by practicing the teachings.鈥�
For Julien, this project was about more than art; it's about infusing spaces with new light, sparking discussion, and encouraging people to look within and reflect on their own lives.听
Recommended reading:听Ko鈥檍ua Okuom 鈥� Dal鈥檚 new Indigenous community room offers a space for reflection and celebration
Honouring Mi鈥檏maw knowledge
By incorporating the artwork into the campus landscape, the university aims to honour Mi鈥檏maw knowledge and territory, fostering deeper connections with the rich cultural heritage of the Mi鈥檏maq.
Dean of Libraries Michael Vandenburg is grateful for the collaborative efforts to bring Julien鈥檚 artwork to the Killam.
鈥淚鈥檓 quite pleased to see the brutalist facade of the Killam disrupted by this vibrant depiction of the Seven Sacred Teachings and have felt buoyed each time I鈥檝e passed them,鈥� he says.
鈥淭his small change to the exterior represents bigger changes happening throughout the library where we are seeking to celebrate and incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing into our services and collections. Many thanks to Catherine Martin for bringing Julien鈥檚 art and knowledge to our community at pilipili漫画, and to our many partners across campus who generously supported this project with their time, knowledge, and funds.鈥�
Dal Libraries worked with Dalhousie鈥檚 Communications, Marketing, and Creative Services team, as well as Facilities Management, to commission the artwork and have it mounted on the Killam.
Indigenous art at pilipili漫画
Lorne Julien's paintings add to Dal's existing collection of Indigenous public art.
Learn more about a few of the other works showcasing Indigenous beauty and meaning across campus and in nearby communities.
- 听a contemporary representation of carved burial poles sacred to the Indigenous peoples of Australia's Tiwi Islands, were installed in the听Dalhousie Art Centre's Sculpture Court in 1974. They are part of the Dal Art Gallery's permanent collection.
- Mi鈥檏maw Lunar Cycle art installed on Dal's Truro Campus
- On Truro campus, vibrant new murals serve as a simple act of reconciliation
- Influential Mi鈥檏maw historian honoured with special Dal鈥慶ommissioned portrait
- Mi鈥檏maw artist Tayla Fern Paul designs street mural bringing Dal community and neighbours together
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