First Nation Sculpture Unveiled at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Sculpture Recognizing the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Unveiled at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, today unveiled a large-scale granite and bronze sculpture to recognize the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and their relationship to the land, air and water on which the airport now operates. The sculpture was created by David M. General, Mohawk Nation, Wolf Clan of the Six Nations, and was conceived and installed in partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
Entitled Maanjidowin: The Gathering, the sculpture is more than 16-feet in length and features three mythical fishers – Makwa-Kwe (Bear), Nigig-Kwe (Otter) and Migizi-Kwe (Eagle) – who have come to the estuaries and islands along Toronto’s Lake Ontario shoreline to fish. The canoe in which the fishers sit is inscribed with words and symbols of significance to the Mississaugas of the Credit, including: The Medicine Wheel; the Seven Grandfather Teachings, which are guiding principles that provide the moral and cultural foundation of life; and poetry from the current Gimaa (Chief) R. Stacey Laforme. As indicated by inscribed arm tattoos, the creatures are all female, as females played a central role as custodians of cultural traditions surrounding water.
Quotes:
“On behalf of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), I want to say chi-miigwech (thank you very much) to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and of course PortsToronto for their commitment to this project, and to artist David General for beautifully capturing a part of our history through Maanjidowin: The Gathering. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is a significant location for this sculpture as it will be a learning experience for visitors to the City of Toronto, and a moment where returning residents can reflect on the history of the land they call home. This is such an important step as we come to understand the deep connection that all people have to our Mother the Earth.”
“Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an important gateway for residents and visitors alike, and I am pleased that those travelling through the airport, as well as those within the surrounding community, will be able to enjoy and learn from this new and important sculpture. The Mississaugas of the Credit have a rich history that was greatly influenced by life along the shores of Toronto’s harbour and waterways, and it is important that this vibrant past, and bright present and future, be reflected by organizations such as PortsToronto and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. I am also pleased to have this significant sculpture included in ArtworxTO – a program that I have championed to ensure that we are not only supporting artists in our city but ensuring that we make art as accessible as possible. Maanjidowin: The Gathering is a sculpture that perfectly exemplifies this program and demonstrates the ongoing commitment needed to ensure diversity and community is represented through public art.”
“Maanjidowin -The Gathering is an artwork representing relationships Indigenous communities and nations have with land, water and sky. Relationships provided by Creator, nurtured by our ancestors, protected by our current generation and passed to our future generations. Wherever we fish, hunt, trap, gather, camp, celebrated, honoured and remembered – Maanjidowin exists. Mississaugas of the Credit have long shared resource rich shorelines including an archipelago situated within Toronto harbour. The artwork presents three Spirit Being fishing bountiful waters in a canoe bearing teachings, direction and symbolism that guide fulfillment of inherent rights and responsibilities. Mississaugas of the Credit have used this guidance to develop their governance, economic base, language and cultural initiatives. Thank you Mississaugas of the Credit and City of Toronto for history we will remember and honour. Thank you Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and PortsToronto for acknowledgement and leadership in building tribute and remembrance. I’m proud to have participated in the success you envisioned.”
“This sculpture has been several years in the making and represents our commitment to representing and reflecting the experience of the Mississaugas of the Credit and their history along the shores of Toronto’s Lake Ontario. PortsToronto and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport have enjoyed a productive relationship with the Mississaugas of the Credit for many years and have consulted on significant projects pertaining to our developments and environmental efforts. It has been our pleasure and privilege to facilitate the creation of this beautiful sculpture and place it at our airport for the enjoyment and education of our passengers, staff and community.”
The sculpture sits on the south dock wall overlooking the West Gap, and will welcome visitors and residents alike from its location. The sculpture was designed by artist David M. General and created with the help of other local artisans including Artcast Inc. (bronze castings) in Georgetown, Ontario, and HGH Granite (granite and custom stonework) in Dundas, Ontario.
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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an award-winning gateway to Canada’s largest city, offering unmatched convenience just minutes from downtown Toronto. Serving passengers since 1939, the airport provides service to more than 20 cities across Canada and the U.S., with connections to more than 100 global destinations through its airline partners, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility opening soon.
Renowned for its accessibility, stunning skyline views and 98% passenger satisfaction rating, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport supports critical regional services, including medical travel and medevac operations through Ornge. It is also a key economic driver, supporting more than 4,000 jobs (2,000 directly associated with its operations) and generating approximately $2 billion annually for the regional economy.
Committed to sustainability, the airport is a three-time recipient of the Airports Council International–North America’s Environmental Achievement Award and is certified under Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto. Nieuport Aviation is the terminal partner and operates the airport’s complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown Toronto.