Since Spring 2023, visitors to The Ottawa Hospital have been greeted by prominent artwork by Simon Brascoupé and his daughter, Mairi Brascoupé, both from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg,
The art installations include text acknowledging Algonquin land and the contributions of First Nation, Inuit and Métis in Algonquin, Inuktitut, French and English.
The artwork is a visual reminder of the traditional medicines the land provides, depicting three medicinal plants still used today. The aesthetic is inspired by ancient Algonquin birchbark cut-outs which were used as templates for decorating birchbark baskets in vibrant colours that represent the four seasons.
Acknowledging the land is part of The Ottawa Hospital’s work of reconciliation and fostering welcoming spaces for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis patients and their families.
“One way to make a culturally safe space for Indigenous peoples is to include symbols of Indigenous culture,” says artist Simon Brascoupé… “So when people come in they recognize their art from their community, and that helps contribute to the safe space.”
