Thursday, August 2, 2018

Markham students carve 10-foot thrones to honour Indigenous teachings

*Donald Chrétien, Indigenous consulting artist with six grade 12 Unionville High School students at the Markham Museum grounds.*

MARKHAM, ON — August 2, 2018 - Hand-carved from fallen tree trunks, these massive thrones reflect Markham's leadership in sustainability and diversity, while encouraging youth to showcase their artistic talents.

The City of Markham recently partnered with the York Region District School Board on the Markham Thrones project. Six grade 12 students from Unionville High School, led by Shane Clodd, Head of the school's Visual Arts Department, can be found at the Markham Museum grounds, power carving eight 10-foot thrones made from fallen trees. Once complete, the thrones will be placed in each of the City of Markham's eight wards for residents and visitors to come see and enjoy.

Seven of the thrones will represent the Seven Indigenous Grandfather Teachings of respect, love, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth. The eighth throne pays homage to the Indigenous clan system of governance, and will reside in Ward 2 where the Markham Civic Centre is located.

"The Markham Thrones project represents the City of Markham's committment to Truth and Reconciliation," says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "Markham residents will soon have eight beautiful pieces of art throughout our City, where communities can come to visit and reflect upon. I would like to give a big hand to Shane and the Unionville High School students for their incredible talent, skill and creativity."

Shane and the students began carving on July 9 with guidance from Indigenous consulting artist, Donald Chrétien. The students will be busy carving at the Markham Museum on weekdays until Friday, August 17.

"We took our inspiration from Markham's history, governance, environment and Indigenous teachings," says Shane Clodd, Unionville High School Visual Arts Department Head. "Our hope is that these works will reaffirm Markham's dedication to exploring and sharing Indigenous culture, while promoting a healthy community."

As the most diverse city in Canada, Markham thrives and continues to succeed because of our diversity and focus on inclusion. In 2017, Markham signed a historic accord with Eabametoong First Nation, also known as Fort Hope. The agreement of cultural collaboration is a first-of-its-kind between a Canadian urban municipality and a remote northern First Nation community.

Most recently, the City of Markham celebrated the official opening of the Aaniin Community Centre & Library, located in the heart of southeast Markham. Aaniin (pronounced ah-nee) means ‘hello’ or ‘welcome’ in Ojibway, and this community centre invites diverse peoples of all backgrounds to collaborate, share knowledge and celebrate Indigenous traditions and values.

"The Markham Thrones project truly speaks to what Markham is all about," says Mayor Scarpitti. "Markham's Forestry Department recovered these fallen trees in our parks and with support from YRDSB, they are being given new life as public art. These students are leaving a lasting legacy in our community. These thrones will stand as pillars of Canada's and Markham's rich heritage and strong diversity."