Nunavik Artists Celebrate Indigenous Heritage in Ottawa University Mural
A collaborative mural at University of Ottawa by Inuit, Algonquin, Métis, and First Nations artists highlights cultural connections to water and land. Discover the stories behind the artwork.
A Mural of Cultural Resonance at University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa has unveiled a vibrant mural that celebrates Indigenous cultures through the lens of water, land, and tradition. Created by five Indigenous artists representing diverse communities, the artwork adorns a wall beside the university’s train station entrance—a space used daily by cyclists and pedestrians.
Artists Weaving Stories Through Color
Aija Komangapik, an Inuit artist from Iqaluit now based in Ottawa, contributed a section featuring the grey seal, a symbol deeply tied to her hunting practices and cultural identity. "The grey seal is the one I catch, the one I use to prepare sealskins," she explained. Her section begins with Sedna’s severed fingers, a nod to Inuit mythology, and flows into depictions of marine life including narwhals, belugas, and walruses.
The mural also includes works by Algonquin artist Miskomin Twenish, Métis artist Bre Quirion, Cree artist Chris Chipak, and Kanien’kehá:ka artist Victoria Ransom. Each artist’s territory is reflected in their section, creating a visual journey from ocean to rivers, plains, and mountains.
A Campus Transformation Rooted in Reclamation
The project emerged from a 2019 incident where a sign featuring Indigenous greetings in five languages—including Inuktitut—was repeatedly vandalized. Instead of repairing the damage, the university’s Office of Indigenous Affairs reimagined the space.
Tareyn Johnson, director of the office, emphasized the significance of beautifying campus areas as a form of land reclamation. "Beautifying these spaces is a way of reclaiming land on campus," she said. The mural, completed in October, now serves as a powerful symbol of cultural recognition and community collaboration.
The artwork not only honors Indigenous heritage but also fosters a deeper connection between students, staff, and the land. As Komangapik shared, "Hunting has really helped me get back in touch with myself." The mural embodies this sentiment, blending art, tradition, and the ongoing relationship between Indigenous peoples and their environments.