design
Landscape of Nations provides an engaging experience for visitors, delivered through subtle layers of meaning. Six Nations and Native allies played a pivotal role in the defense of Upper Canada. This memorial tells multiple stories that involve both cultural and historical references.
The vision is one that recognizes time, culture, events and environment as expressed through the design of the site in relation to its landscape and central Memory Circle feature. The memorial’s design is conceived as a balance among humans and nature. It creates a place that people can experience in their own way. And, at its core, it presents a concept that is respectful of those who sacrificed and gave their lives in defense of freedom.
The memorial was designed through an artistic collaboration involving commissioned landscape architect Tom Ridout and commissioned artist Raymond Skye. Upon review of all design submissions, the Selection Committee felt that a combination of the ideas expressed in their individually proposed plans would fulfill, if not exceed, all of the expectations described in the application’s design criteria.
Their agreement to participate as a design team also made manifest, in both practical and symbolic terms, the principal of reconciliation that guided the process to develop the memorial. From the Working Group through to the fundraising team and on to the collaborating artists, Indigenous peoples partnered directly with Canadians to create a masterwork of public art where the journey was every bit as important as the final display.
concept
In this design “place” is a created space that not only communicates important events during the War of 1812, but also anchors that event within the context of both time and culture. The concept works by linking a variety of experiences along a central flowing pathway. The path is a metaphor for the passage of time and serves as symbolic representation of the values of peace and mutual respect.
The concept offers numerous opportunities for visitors to gain a broader understanding of the Indigenous experience. As such, the memorial will hold widespread appeal for those who seek to learn more about the contributions made by Indigenous peoples in shaping Canadian history and society.
EXHIBIT FEATURES
This project has been supported by these and other generous donors:
