By turning this busy passageway into a place where Indigenous ways of knowing are visible in everyday life, the Office of Indigenous Affairs wanted to demonstrate that Indigenous culture is very much present on campus.
The art and the artists
The mural brings together the work of five Indigenous artists from communities with the highest populations represented in Ottawa: Algonquin artist Miskomin Twenish from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Inuk artist Aija Komangapik, Metis artist Bre Quirion from Manitoba, Cree artist Chris Chipak of Red Pheasant Cree Nation and Kanien'kehá:ka artist Victoria Ransom of Akwesasne First Nation. Each brings a distinct visual language and perspective to the artwork, sharing a deep connection to storytelling through their art.
Together, they give the space a broader vision inspired by their territory and storytelling, centred on water and the life it sustains. Their joint installation draws on their cultures, experiences and relationships to the land, creating a work that speaks to both the diversity of Indigenous communities and the connections that unite them.
Future phases will extend that vision throughout the gateway in spring 2027, sharing stories of land on the columns and sky on buildings, and featuring a large-scale sculptural piece.
Reimagining a campus gateway
The Office of Indigenous Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling the University’s Indigenous Action Plan, now in its second edition. Originally, the concept was to have signage welcome people to campus and remind them of Indigenous language and territory. Over time, the installation, which welcomed visitors in five Indigenous languages as well as in French and English, was repeatedly vandalized. The Office of Indigenous Affairs decided to stop fixing the damage and move to a larger scale statement.
Tareyn Johnson, director of the Office of Indigenous Affairs, says: “My first goal was to create an Indigenous Action Plan. Once my office had accomplished some significant change within the university, we were ready to celebrate with material changes to campus.”
Johnson adds: “The vandalism to the original Kwey sign was devastating, but we were not deterred. Instead, we decided to go bigger and really make a statement. This is Indigenous land — our cultures and stories are powerful and beautiful. This was a way to reclaim our power on campus and demonstrate that we are still here and thriving.”
“This is Indigenous land — our cultures and stories are powerful and beautiful. This was a way to reclaim our power on campus and demonstrate that we are still here and thriving.”
Tareyn Johnson
— Director of the Office of Indigenous Affairs
The office worked with Arium, a design firm, and consulted with ASEMA (the University’s First Nations, Metis and Inuit employee group), the Indigenous Students Association and the Indigenous Education Council throughout the development process, with the University of Ottawa Facilities service supporting the work since last spring.
Creating visible Indigenous spaces
For the Office of Indigenous Affairs, creating physical spaces that reflect Indigenous presence is an important part of fostering a campus environment where Indigenous students, employees and community members can see themselves represented.
The mural also extends awareness of Indigenous peoples beyond campus, creating opportunities for neighbours and visitors, in addition to members of the University community, to encounter Indigenous perspectives as part of their everyday experience.
Plans are already underway for a community celebration in spring 2027, which will bring together artists, community members and project partners to mark the completion of the first project phase.