University uses art to Indigenize campus

The University of Manitoba opened its campus up to showcase three extraordinary Aboriginal sculptures this month that represent core Inuit, First Nation and Métis culture.

In an effort to have more Aboriginal representation on campus, the university sent out a call nationally for art proposals and selected three professional artists to accomplish the work.

“The sculptures are beautiful and help Indigenize the campus by having something visibly identifiable as Aboriginal centrally located on campus,” Kali Storm, Aboriginal Student Centre director, told Windspeaker.

On April 4, the sculptures were unveiled on the eastern side of the Aboriginal House and a ceremony helped to celebrate the artists, culture and story behind the work.
“The statues are symbolic of the Métis, First Nations and Inuit communities who call this place home,” she said.