The Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park in Kitchener, Ontario, is all set to unveil a striking new Indigenous public art masterpiece named GIDINAWENDIMIN. Created by renowned Anishinaabe artist Jackie Traverse, this magnificent 95 square-metre mosaic adorns the upper wall beside the aquatic centre pool, featuring over 200,000 glass tiles intricately assembled to depict four intertwined women amid flowing water trails.
GIDINAWENDIMIN isn’t just a visually stunning piece; it holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, celebrating the profound connection between women and water. Through themes of kinship, resilience, and connection, the artwork aims to evoke a sense of unity and responsibility towards the environment and each other.
Jackie Traverse, known for her impactful artworks exploring Indigenous identity and social justice, expressed the symbolic power of GIDINAWENDIMIN, stating, “Water connects all of us. In Anishinaabe teachings, women uphold the sacred duty of caring for water, and this piece reflects the strength passed down through generations of women and our shared obligation to protect the environment and one another.”
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic emphasized the role of GIDINAWENDIMIN in shaping visitors’ experiences at the recreation centre, fostering feelings of connection, community, and respect for water. Ward 8 Councillor Margaret Johnston praised the artwork for enriching the facility’s design and fostering a sense of inclusivity and reflection among visitors.
Scheduled for public unveiling on November 14 during the Cowan Recreation Centre’s grand opening event, GIDINAWENDIMIN is poised to become a focal point of community storytelling at the $144-million facility. Alongside this awe-inspiring artwork, the centre will showcase ‘Spotlight on Sport’, a display honoring significant community sports moments, further enhancing the space’s focus on community engagement and heritage.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the beauty and meaning behind GIDINAWENDIMIN in person at the Cowan Recreation Centre – a testament to the enduring power of art in fostering connections and celebrating cultural heritage.
