The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) recently showcased Indigenous art at its Chatham site.
The artwork consists of four pieces created by Celeste Noah of Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit of Delaware Nation. Collectively these art pieces reflect a tapestry of Indigenous tradition, intertwining storytelling and vibrant colours.
“Ms. Noah’s artwork serves as a powerful expression of connection to land, tradition, and spirituality,” said Deb Crawford, board chair of the CKHA in a media release. “We are so pleased this art is now a permanent part of our Chatham Site and hope that it will inspire meaningful conversations and foster a greater understanding of Indigenous culture.”
Lori Marshall, president and CEO of the CKHA agreed.
“We are delighted Ms. Noah has created this wonderful artwork for our hospital. This milestone marks another step forward in CKHA’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism,” she said.
Through consultation with CKHA’s patient experience community advisory council, the artwork was installed in the ambulatory care waiting room, dialysis waiting room, intensive care unit family waiting room and in the reflection space.
Each piece of artwork is accompanied with a descriptive plaque for patients, families and visitors to learn about their meaning.
Noah learned how to paint with watercolours during the pandemic.
“I learned how to watercolour paint during the COVID-19 lockdown; it was a new hobby I picked up to occupy my time. I searched for other Native watercolour artists online but could only find one example, so I used my knowledge and creativity to paint our people wearing their regalia, colourful in motion,” she said. “I submitted this piece to CKHA’s call for Indigenous artists and I was shocked I was chosen. I’m so pleased to receive the opportunity to share Indigenous storytelling through my art with the hospital.”
The installation of Ms. Noah’s artwork in Chatham follows the addition of “Revitalizing River” created by Mariah Alexander of Walpole Island First Nation at the Wallaceburg Site.
