A new sculpture, "Ancient Country Seat," has been unveiled at York University's Glendon College, representing a significant addition to the University's artistic landscape and a unique intersection of Indigenous culture and education.
Created by Secwépemc artist Tania Willard, "Ancient Country Seat" is a flower-bench sculpture designed to engage students, faculty and visitors in a dialogue about identity, connection to the land and the role of art in addressing cultural narratives.
With the intention to provide a space that encourages moments of reflection and engagement, Willard's art enables individuals to connect not only with each other, but also with the surrounding environment.
Willard's work is deeply rooted in her experiences growing up in Neskonlith, a community located on the edge of a forest and within a reserve. Her artistic journey has been framed by a strong connection to the land and a commitment to her community.
After visiting Glendon Campus, Willard was inspired by the idea of gathering.
"The idea came quite early on with the site visit and understanding all the variables for the project, wanting there to be a space of gathering for Indigenous and other students, and wanting there to be a language with the colonial kind of structures that are considered picturesque on campus," she says. "And so, this work hopefully kind of functions as a space, of coming together."
In the creation process, Willard integrated materials that represent healing and medicine, such as tobacco and sage from her garden, into the concrete mix of the sculpture. This incorporation of medicinal plants reflects both the industrial nature of the sculpture and the natural elements essential to Indigenous culture, symbolizing a connection to tradition and the environment.
The sculpture was officially unveiled May 23 during an event that featured an opening and closing ceremony by Elder Philip Cote and a performance by hand-drumming group Spirit Wing.
By installing this sculpture, we mark an important moment in Glendon's history, and the bench will now be part of Glendon and remind us all of our presence on Indigenous land," says Glendon Principal Marco Fiola. "Through her art, Tania Willard is helping us all reflect on the past while inviting us to reach across our differences to better understand and support each other.
"Ancient Country Seat" serves multiple purposes, inviting people to sit and interact while pondering the deeper cultural implications of the installation. The unveiling of the flower-bench also included planting bushes in three planters incorporated into the bench.
Through her work, Willard aims to challenge the traditional perception of public art and highlights the ongoing dialogue about reconciliation and representation within public spaces.
Willard hopes it serves as a gathering spot for future generations, where individuals can take photographs and make memories against the backdrop of the work. The aesthetic appeal of the sculpture combined with its cultural resonance, she says, aligns with her desire to create a lasting impression on all who encounter it.
"I hope that I've offered someplace to take a moment to sit and connect with each other and with the land around you," says Willard. "And I think that those are good practices for anyone, let alone artists."
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
