As part of its commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, Chatham-Kent’s hospital has unveiled four new pieces of Indigenous artwork.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) said the artwork, created by Celeste Noah of Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit, Delaware Nation, consists of four pieces that reflect a rich tapestry of Indigenous tradition, intertwining storytelling and vibrant colours.
The pieces have been installed at the hospital’s Chatham site in the Ambulatory Care waiting room, the Dialysis waiting room, the Intensive Care Unit family waiting room, and the Reflection Space. The artwork is also accompanied by plaques that provide information about their meaning.
“Ms. Noah’s artwork serves as a powerful expression of connection to land, tradition, and spirituality,” said CKHA Board Chair Deb Crawford. “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.”
The art installations were made possible through CKHA’s Innovation Grant Program, which offers staff, physicians, volunteers, and patient advisors the opportunity to submit ideas that benefit patients or the quality of the workplace at CKHA.
Indigenous artwork for the Chatham site was chosen as one of seven $1,000 grant recipients earlier this year. A call was then put out for Indigenous artists to submit an application and Noah was chosen as the successful candidate.
The installation of Noah’s artwork in Chatham follows the unveiling of another art piece created by Mariah Alexander of Walpole Island First Nation, which is currently on display at the CKHA’s Wallaceburg Site.