Mi’kmaq

The sculpture Spirit of Reconciliation was crafted and designed by Brian Francis, a Mi’kmaq artist from Elsipogtog First Nation, and Jean Hudson, an artist from Fredericton.

The Codiac Regional RCMP made the announcement to their Facebook page on Feb. 23 informing the public of the artwork’s installation.

This piece is the first Indigenous installation commissioned through Moncton’s Percent for Public Art Policy.

Spirit of Reconciliation is a five-metre-long steel and iron sculpture painted in red, shaped with inspiration from the typical shape of a birch bark canoe. The cutouts shown at either end – also found centrally on the piece – are inspired by ancient indigenous symbols.

“The concept of Spirit of Reconciliation references the era where Mi’kmaq traditions and ceremonies were not possible to practice,” said Francis in a release from the City of Moncton. “We hope that as people engage with the piece, it will build understanding, healing, acknowledgement of past injustices, an appreciation of Indigenous resilience, and support in the quest for reconciliation.

The sculpture sits upon two black pillars. It will be illuminated each night, shining as a symbol of strength and resilience of the Indigenous peoples.

An official inauguration ceremony with Brian Francis and Jean Hudson will be scheduled once construction of the Codiac Regional RCMP facility is completed.

To learn more about the piece, refer to the City of Moncton’s release.