The newest addition to the artwork adorning the halls of Confederation Building belongs to Qalipu First Nation artist Marcus Gosse. This piece is part of an ongoing collection featuring works by Indigenous artists within the legislature of Newfoundland and Labrador.
On Thursday, Gosse unveiled his creation, a painting entitled Mawo’ltimk — Unity. The piece showcases eight whales circling the Mi’kmaq star.
He addressed the audience assembled at Confederation Building expressing his hope to encapsulate within this work the same elements present in his previous creations: unity, happiness, affection, and encouragement.
“Specifically, this one focuses on strength, cohesion, support, and unity,” Gosse stated.
The star serves as a source of pride for the Mi’kmaq community. It represents both the cohesion among various cultures and the eight regions within the Mi’kmaw territories. Interestingly, the eighth region is Newfoundland.
Gosse mentioned that whales also represent peace, compassion, and family, and they hold significance due to their effectiveness as communicators in their habitat.
As he stated to CBC Radio following the announcement, ‘This demonstrates that our countries must unite, engage in dialogue, and collectively learn more about one another.’
Gosse’s piece is the fourth out of five artworks acquired by the province from Indigenous artists chosen to adorn the east wing of Confederation Building, alongside the erection of a monument dedicated to the Beothuk people. Artworks from artists affiliated with the Nunatsiavut government, Innu Nation, and Miawpukek First Nation have already been revealed.
Qalipu First Nation Chief Jenny Brake stated that displaying this artwork serves as significant representation of Indigenous peoples.
“Art provides us with a chance to share our narrative. A tale that belongs uniquely to us as Indigenous inhabitants of this territory and this land which remains unceded,” stated Brake, who is an artist herself.
