Truth and reconciliation: two indigenous works adorn Cape Diamant

Two imposing works of art created by a Wendat artist and one of the chiefs of the Haida nation in British Columbia were unveiled on the Plains of Abraham on Monday to mark National Day for Truth and Justice. reconciliation.

Pearls in memoryWendat Ludovic Boney, as well as The three sentinelsby Haida leader and artist 7IDANsuu James Hart, now sit on Cape Diamant, the highest point in altitude on the Plains of Abraham. This is the National Battlefields Commission’s largest art acquisition since 1938.

“There are a lot of tourists passing through [au cap Diamant] per year and now the presence of the First Nations is permanently marked,” rejoices the great chief of the Huron-Wendat nation, Rémy Vincent, met by The Journal during the festive inauguration of the structures.

With the first giant sculpture, made of aluminum and corten steel, Ludovic Boney wanted to highlight the wampum, a pearl made from marine shells. In the Wendat tradition, these pearls, once assembled, are exchanged with the aim of sealing alliances between nations.

With regard to the Three sentinelsa bronze monument that stands six meters high, the sculpture represents the guardians who stand guard and advise the community in the face of the dangers of the earthly world and that of the spirits.

“These two works captivate curiosity and emotion. Sharing is very important between the First Nations and the non-Aboriginal people, but also for the First Nations among themselves. It’s a very beautiful day,” says James Hart, chef and artist, surrounded by several members of his community who had also traveled from British Columbia to attend the event and present some traditional dance steps.

The development of the site will be improved in spring 2025, in particular with the addition of interpretation panels and plants important to the Wendat nation.

“We really rebuilt the bridges”

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Grand Chief Rémy Vincent says he is very satisfied with the relationship his community has today with Quebec City.

“We have really rebuilt bridges with the City in the last four years. We are very involved in sectors like the economy and tourism. Our relationship is strong and growing. We are convinced that this can continue,” he says.

Same story with the deputy mayor and head of indigenous affairs on the executive committee of the City of Quebec, Catherine Vallières-Roland, with whom The Journal also discussed.

“The relationship has never been better. We work from government to government and we meet almost every month, which allows us to move projects forward quickly,” she explains.