UFCW Canada and the Moccasin Identifier joined union leadership and members of UFCW’s Indigenous Committee to unveil Return of the Sacred, a permanent mural by Anishnawbe artist Philip Cote. Commissioned by UFCW Canada in partnership with Moccasin Identifier, the work reflects the union’s commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous advocacy and Treaty recognition.
The mural was unveiled in recognition of Ontario’s Treaty Recognition Week (the first week of November), legislation established in 2016 to promote awareness and education about Treaties. Return of the Sacred was created with the support of UFCW Canada’s Indigenous Committee and will remain on display at UFCW Canada’s headquarters as a lasting symbol of the union’s pledge to honour treaty promises and support Indigenous resurgence.
Philip Cote — a Young Spiritual Elder, Indigenous artist, educator, activist, historian and Ancestral Knowledge Keeper from Moose Deer Point First Nation, and an OCAD University Interdisciplinary Art Media & Design MFA graduate — described the mural as part of cultural revival. Cote said the work speaks to retelling ancient stories, the spiritual “road” of healing and the 8th Fire concept of renewed relationships between Indigenous people and settlers.
Carolyn King, founder of Moccasin Identifier, emphasized the mural’s role as a learning tool: “Bringing our story to the table… so many people don’t realize whose land they reside on. These markers and identifiers help people understand who we are, where we are and why.” UFCW Canada leaders, including Resident Elder Eric Flett and UFCW National President Shawn Haggerty, praised the collaboration and described the mural as a permanent reminder of the union’s commitment to reconciliation and respectful relationships. Read ore here.