Permanent Contextual Display

In 2018, the Human Rights Commissioner sent the Township of Centre Wellington a letter requesting the Township to address the use of Indigenous names, logos and images in Township facilities, by non-indigenous groups. Among other provisions, the policy allows the banners to be reinstalled once a Permanent Contextual Display has been installed.

This display explains the banners' historical and cultural context and outline the Township’s commitment to ongoing learning and meaningful relationship building with Indigenous communities. Staff have worked closely with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee’s Indigenous Logos Working Group, the Riverhawks, the Elora Hawks, Indigenous partners and artist Kory Parkin to create this Permanent Contextual Display.

The permanent contextual display is approximately 19.5 feet long and 39 inches tall. The display is located in the Jefferson Elora Community Centre, directly above the doors to the lobby from the pad. This location is adjacent to where the Lacrosse banners hang.

Focusing on the location and size of the display needed with the significance of the Two Row Wampum to this project it allowed me to create the banner based on the style and look of the traditional wampum. Usually seen with 13 columns alternating between 3 columns of white and 2 columns of purple.  I chose to use it as the background for this art piece.  To allow the dialogue to be visible from all locations,  I added a frame over top the middle, which resembles similar shapes seen on traditional wampums. It's something you might see on the Dust Fan Wampum, which represents the ever-growing Tree of Peace and the Great Law of Peace. From there, you will notice the middle design, which is based on the Skydome/SkyWorld design that can be seen throughout Haudenosaunee culture. The two semicircles represent the Skyworld/celestial world and the world we occupy today. The two spiral designs on each end represent the moon and the sun, which hold significant power. Inside the semi-circle shows two individuals, one in solid purple (Haudenosaunee) and the other (settler) standing beside the Tree of Peace. The Tree of Peace is a sacred symbol of unity amongst all Haudenosaunee Nations. The use of the two individuals ties to the two row wampum, and how each nation, Indigenous and settlers, can live in harmony/unity both respecting each other traditions and laws while moving forward together but on different paths. I chose to use the Mohawk word, Karihwiiohtshera - "The teachings of the good message". The idea behind the good message is based on elements of having a good mind. The concept of the good mind in Haudenosaunee culture is that we must have peace, harmony and collective well-being, followed by actions of awareness and compassion. We must have empathy, generosity and a strong connection to the earth. To set aside our individual needs to benefit our community for now and future generations. Felt it ties to the idea behind the Two Row and what your Township is trying to do, just having respect for one another, by not forgetting the past but choosing a different path for the future on how you handle and recognize Indigenous peoples and land moving forward.

Inspired by many great Indigenous and non Indigenous artists, I pull ideas together through art, sports and pop culture, to recreate something bold and unique, while blending in important cultural symbolism in each piece. With the support from my family and community, it’s allowed me the opportunity to not only showcase my Indigenous culture and traditions but to work with many great fundraisers and charities, which has allowed me to give back to those in need. A self-taught artist, I use my art to give myself and others a chance to wear and share not only our shared love of sports, but also to proudly display our support for Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island and our art. I’ve had many pieces showcased on TSN, Sportsnet, Walmart Canada, CBC, Complex, IOWS, INDIGIPOPX, and art showcased in the Legislative Building at Queen’s Park. Plus I’ve had the chance to work with leagues and teams in the NHL, PWHL, IIHF, NLL. NBA. AHL, OHL, AFL Ontario and the CFL.

Kory Parkin, www.koryparkin.com