Mino Bimaadiziwin
Sharing the Good Life
A vibrant new art installation, Mino Bimaadiziwin – Good Life, 2024 was unveiled in October in Centennial Park. This 50-meter mural was developed in partnership between Treaty Holder Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and landscape architectural firm STUDIO tla, and designed by Luke Swinson and August Swinson, commissioned by the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place.
By supporting Indigenous placemaking and celebrating Indigenous arts and culture, Mino Bimaadiziwin creates a landscape that animates the Actions for Justice established by the City of Toronto Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2032. Through language, symbology and a deep connection to nature, this work foregrounds Indigenous art and culture. The scale and weight of this piece, constructed of multiple layers of perforated, powder-coated steel, create a prominent presence in the park that is also visible from the Gardiner Expressway and Dufferin Street.
Visitors can experience this piece from multiple vantages and moments in time, as it casts significant shadows that change with the daylight and is illuminated at night.
Artists
August Swinson is a First Nation artist of the Mississaugas band, currently living in Kitchener, Ontario. He works in a variety of styles and uses a mix of hand-drawn and computer-generated illustrations. He is influenced by the beauty of nature, particularly the classic Canadian landscape, and memories of his childhood living on Scugog Island. August’s illustrations capture his sense of fun, while evoking something familiar that reminds us of a more innocent age but from a new perspective.
Luke Swinson is a visual artist with Anishinaabe roots from Kitchener, Ontario. A member of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Luke’s work reflects his desire to better understand and reclaim his Indigenous culture. He seeks to promote cultural education and preservation through his art projects.
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Fabricators
Cobalt Fabrication Inc.
Moses Structural Engineers
Moon-Matz Ltd. Consulting Engineers
“Exhibition Place is a site for heritage and culture, but this piece is truly the focal point. Mino Bimaadiziwin brings people together to seek understanding and reconciliation.”
Don Boyle, CEO of Exhibition Place
"This partnership with Mississaugas of the Credit is an important action in the path for truth and reconciliation - Indigenous culture, stories and leadership visible through public art."
Ausma Malik, Chair, Board of Governors of Exhibition Place and Deputy Mayor of Toronto
Project Origin
The removal of buildings, collectively known as Kids World, on the north section of the Centennial Park, impacted community enjoyment of the park due to the proximity of the Gardiner Expressway. In 2021, Exhibition Place staff contracted STUDIO tla to develop a master plan for the entire park and facilitate the design of a feature wall. The feature wall was developed based on feedback received from the local community and interest groups through a comprehensive consultation process. Overwhelmingly, community members advocated for an Indigenous-themed artwork that highlighted the area's history.
In 2023, STUDIO tla consulted with Indigenous groups and established a project partnership with the Missisaugas of the Credit First Nation. Together, they engaged artists Luke Swinson and August Swinson. The initial design concept was extremely well received by the community. Through months of collaboration, partners worked with the artists and fabrication consultants to create a meaningful and feasible design. The final design adheres to the artists’ vision and was endorsed by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The wall was produced in sections by Cobalt Fabrications Inc. and installed on site in the fall of 2024.
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Inspiration and Themes
Mino Bimaadiziwin is an Indigenous philosophy and way of being that translates to living a “Good Life,” one where we reach our fullest potential, are interconnected with the Earth and in relationship with Creation. Mino Bimaadizwin encourages us to respect the land, ourselves and each other: just as our ancestors have since time immemorial.
The perforations in the wall capture the paradigms of the seven dodems and the four scared medicines. The dodems, or original animals, represent the Anishinaabe clans and also different branches of knowledge and responsibilities within the community: Loon, Crane, Marten, Deer, Eagle, Bear and Fish. The sacred medicines have both physical and spiritual properties and are used when smudging, in ceremonies and given as gifts: Tobacco, Sage, Cedar and Sweetgrass.
The text on the bottom panel emphasizes these close interconnections between the human and the natural world:
I protect Mother Earth
The trees are my relatives
The stars are my ancestors
The moon is my grandfather
I am part of Creation
We are all connected
The sun is my grandfather
The medicines are my protection
The animals are my kin
I protect the water
“This art piece is a beautiful representation of our community’s culture and identity, and we’re looking forward to sharing this powerful expression of our culture with Torontonians and visitors alike."
Ogimaa-Kwe (Chief) Claire Sault, Mississauga of the Credit First Nation
Collaborators
Press Highlights
Location
The installation is located at Centennial Park at Exhibition Place, (14 Saskatchewan Road). Please see the interactive map attached.