Healing on our lands
To accompany the webpages related to residential schools in Canada and historic designations connected to this difficult history, Parks Canada has commissioned artwork by graphic design company Vincent Design. In a series called “Healing on our lands,” the design team led by Métis artist Shaun Vincent, has woven together meaningful cultural symbols that encourage hope and healing.
The art showcases both nature and the vibrant cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. In these banners, the people and communities draw healing and strength from the land, in four regions and seasons.
Residential schools separated families. In these images, families are shown together as a core element of the design, protected by their surroundings.
Read on for Vincent Design’s descriptions of the imagery and symbolism included in each of the four banners – Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter:
Spring
The star pattern represents the presence of ancestors and their guidance and protection.
Teepees were used during travel across the plains and are an emblem of warmth, family, and connection.
The birchbark pattern recognizes Indigenous women who use bark as an art medium to decorate items, also using it to experiment with designs for bead and quillwork.
A family is portrayed as a core element in the design, nestled and protected by their surroundings.
The caribou is honoured in this design and recognized as a provider of food and clothing.
The star pattern represents the presence of ancestors and their guidance and protection.
Teepees were used during travel across the plains and are an emblem of warmth, family, and connection.
The birchbark pattern recognizes Indigenous women who use bark as an art medium to decorate items, also using it to experiment with designs for bead and quillwork.
A family is portrayed as a core element in the design, nestled and protected by their surroundings.
The caribou is honoured in this design and recognized as a provider of food and clothing.
Summer
The five petal Métis beadwork is a representation of the prairie rose. It is an extension of the artistic practices of the Métis people throughout generations.
Summer continues as a time for family and community, always moving forward like the seasons.
The hummingbird is a symbol of happiness and joy, showing appreciation for the smallest of beautiful moments.
The growth, harvest and portrayal of the Saskatoon berry in the design reflects the tenacity of the Indigenous people.
Fall
The raven is a catalyst of creation, transformation, knowledge and truth.
Cedar is a sacred medicine that is known for its healing purposes. A gift from the land that provides protection.
As the season transitions into fall, the family keeps close together fostering warmth and community.
Totem poles tell stories and keep a record of events, while the crests on a totem pole belong to a family and tell their story.
Winter
As the seasons change, community stays strong, with their shared knowledge to thrive through the challenges of winter on the land.
Inuksuit are markers of guidance signifying hope, safety and friendship.
The polar bear represents strength, protection and bravery.
The Northern Lights glimmer in the background as a reminder of creation and the spirits of ancestors.
The branches of the trees represent perseverance against the cold winter winds and serve as a metaphor for strength and growth throughout the seasons.
As the seasons change, community stays strong, with their shared knowledge to thrive through the challenges of winter on the land.
Inuksuit are markers of guidance signifying hope, safety and friendship.
The polar bear represents strength, protection and bravery.
The Northern Lights glimmer in the background as a reminder of creation and the spirits of ancestors.
The branches of the trees represent perseverance against the cold winter winds and serve as a metaphor for strength and growth throughout the seasons.
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