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Four Indigenous artworks by Terry Dactel on planters at the University of Ottawa depicting a loon, a beaver, a deer and a turtle.
Four Indigenous artworks by Wendat tattoo artist Terry Dactel on planters at the University of Ottawa depicting a loon, a beaver, a deer and a turtle.
The University of Ottawa’s scenic campus is home to more and more works of art, including many pieces that reflect 糵’s ongoing commitment to decolonization and Indigenization. Here’s a quick overview of some new additions, and the story behind a few other installations that you might have always wondered about.

14 Indigenous artworks now adorn the Grand-Allée / Kichi Mìkàns

This summer, the 14 flowerpots lining the Grande Allée were decorated with gloriously colourful designs.

Tattoo artist conceived of these designs to represent animals typical of the Ottawa area, along with their related plants and symbols. For example, the eagle, which is considered a sacred animal, is associated with tobacco, which is often given to the bird in thanks; the deer is pictured near a yew, its favourite bush.

For Terry Dactel, these drawings honour the Anishinaabe and Wendat culture and also remind us that everyone, both Indigenous and non-indigenous, has a place here.

This art is part of Hoop Three of the University’s Indigenous Action Plan; Hoop Three aims to enhance the visibility of the Indigenous presence on campus through aesthetic changes. Moreover, the Grande Allée is now also called Kichi Mìkàns (which translates as “big path”), which adds to this indigenization effort.

“The whole point about having our art in public spaces with such high traffic is to remind people that we’re still here and we still matter,” Terry says. “Our community and relationship to the land is what we love and what we represent.”

Tareyn Johnson, 糵’s director of Indigenous Affairs, says the initiative to beautify Kichi Mìkàns encourages all who pass through to engage with Indigenous worldviews. It also serves as a reminder of the University’s location on unceded Algonquin territory. Increasingly, Indigenous languages are being added to building names, campus signage and exterior spaces as well.

Indigenous sculpture on Tabaret lawn

Indigenous sculpture She Dances with the Earth, Wind and Sky.
The She Dances with the Earth, Water, and Sky sculpture by Mohawk and Oneida artist David General, is a strong symbol of Indigenous presence and beliefs.

The She Dances with the Earth, Water and Sky sculpture by Mohawk and Oneida artist David General was unveiled on the Tabaret Lawn in October 2019. The statue represents the abstract form of a woman wrapped in a shawl. It recognizes the relationship between the University of Ottawa and the Omamìwìnini Anishinàbeg as well as all Indigenous people in the National Capital Region.

“My sculpture acknowledges the significant roles entrusted to women by the Creator to safeguard gifts essential for all life,” said General at the unveiling. “She dances with the earth, water and sky helps our families, communities, and nations celebrate joy and appreciation for women’s achievements.”

Contemporary Indigenous art in the Rotunda

The circular main hall or the Rotunda inside Tabaret Hall with Indigenous art on the walls.
The circular main hall or the Rotunda inside Tabaret Hall features Indigenous artworks.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Canada Council Art Bank, four contemporary Indigenous artworks have been on display in the Tabaret Hall Rotunda — a central symbol of academic and administrative life at 糵 — since last November. The four are Jessica Winters’ Hair Braiding Booth (2022), Dominic Lafontaine’s Wanna Trade Belts? No. 1 (2023), Frank Shebageget’s Free Ride (2022) and Nadia Myre’s Coupling / Union Screwed (2008). Students can engage with the stories these works tell and get inspired to learn more about Indigenous Peoples and their histories. Discover the stories behind the artworks in Tabaret Hall, or stroll through the Rotunda to experience them yourself.

Living wall, or Kàgige Kitigàn, in the FSS Building

The Living Wall with Algonquin Anishnàbe artist Stephanie Tenasco's new floral design.
The Living Wall is a one-of-a-kind design by Algonquin Anishnàbe artist Stephanie Tenasco, a member of Kitigan Zibi First Nation. The 77 foot wall features a floral design meant to resemble the beaded floral work Indigenous artists create.

In May 2024, Algonquin Anishnàbe artist Stephanie Tenasco transformed the living wall inside the Faculty of Social Sciences Building with a floral design resembling the floral beadwork created by Indigenous people. The living wall was also given an Algonquin name, Kàgige Kitigàn, which means “forever garden.”

“Depending on your area of origin, the Indigenous people of that territory may use beadwork patterns that are relevant to that place or from their teachings,” Stephanie explains. Odeyimin, the strawberry, is shaped like a heart and known as the heart berry in some Indigenous cultures. “The artwork represents the hearts connected within the community and new beginnings,” says Stephanie. Read the full story on Stephanie’s revamp of the living wall.

Indigenous mural in Fauteux Hall

A mural that depicts two spirited beings under water.
The vibrant mural, Water is Life, was created by Metis and Anishnaabe artists Christi Belcourt and Isaac Murdoch.

A large mural representing Anishinaabe teachings and legal principles on nibi (water) has been prominently displayed on the third floor of Fauteux Hall since 2023. Created by Indigenous artists from the Onaman Collective, the mural depicts two spirited beings looking after the water. It serves as a launching point to talk about Indigenous legal traditions surrounding water and to experience how Indigenous laws are rooted in relationships and the goal of collective well-being. Discover more about the Indigenous mural in Fauteux.

Indigenous Affirmation

We pay respect to the Algonquin people, who are the traditional guardians of this land. We acknowledge their longstanding relationship with this territory, which remains unceded. 

We pay respect to all Indigenous people in this region, from all nations across Canada, who call Ottawa home. 

We acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers, both young and old. And we honour their courageous leaders: past, present, and future. 

Learn more about the Indigenous Affirmation