Where the Land Meets the City: Stories of Land, Water and Community

This artwork beautifully captures the spirit of Mississauga through an Indigenous lens, embodying optimism, community, and connection to nature.

At the heart of the piece, two hummingbirds soar above the city skyline, symbolizing resilience, joy, and the strength of community. Hummingbirds, often seen as messengers in Indigenous teachings, represent the vibrancy and energy of Mississauga’s diverse neighborhoods.

The skyline, depicted in warm hues, reflects the city’s modern growth and cultural diversity, while the sun shines brightly, radiating a sense of warmth, hope, and unity. The blending of urban and natural elements symbolizes the balance between progress and deep-rooted traditions.

Below, the lush green landscape is rich with traditional Indigenous plants and medicines, such as wildflowers and berries, reinforcing themes of healing, renewal, and connection to the land. Flowing water at the bottom signifies harmony, movement, and life, essential aspects of both nature and thriving communities.

With its bold colors and dynamic composition, this piece welcomes all who walk Mississauga’s streets, inviting them to celebrate local pride, diversity, and shared belonging. It serves as a reminder that nature and urban life are interconnected, and that Indigenous teachings continue to shape and inspire the city’s future.

Inspired by the oldest tree in Mississauga, this artwork honours the enduring presence of the land and those who came before us. The great oak stands tall, its branches reaching toward the stars—our ancestors—who watch over us and guide us with ancestral wisdom. The oak symbolizes strength, endurance, and the sacred knowledge carried through generations.

Scattered throughout the sky are acorns, which represent nourishment, renewal, and the potential for new life. They remind us that even the smallest seeds can grow into something mighty when rooted in care and community.

At the base of the oak is a turtle, or mikinaak, carrying the tree on its back. The turtle represents Turtle Island, the land we walk on. It embodies wisdom, longevity, and the deep harmony of the natural world. Within the shell of the turtle, life flourishes—a reminder that our history, our stories, and our responsibilities are all held within the land.

This piece invites residents of Mississauga to see the land not just as city space, but as sacred ground—rich with memory, life, and spirit.

This piece reflects the spirit of Mississauga’s parks and conservation areas—places where nature is respected, protected, and joyfully celebrated. At the centre is a fox, or waagosh, a symbol of adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness. Foxes have the ability to thrive in many environments, making them a fitting tribute to the wild heart that still beats within the city.

In the hustle and bustle of urban life, this image is a gentle reminder to move with care, to listen deeply, and to honour the quiet beauty that surrounds us. The fox gazes toward the rising sun, while butterflies flutter above and brightly coloured birds gather in song below—a scene alive with gratitude and wonder.

Together, these elements pay homage to Mississauga’s parks, trails, and green spaces—sanctuaries of life, balance, and celebration.

Under a star-filled sky, three geese—nika—soar gracefully across the night, guided by the soft glow of the moon. Below them, the rippling waters of Lake Ontario mirror their movement, connecting sky and water in a quiet, harmonious rhythm.

In Anishinaabe teachings, geese symbolize teamwork, communication, and the importance of respectful cooperation within the community. Their flight formation reminds us that to build strong and supportive communities, we must move together in unity, with shared purpose and care.

In the distance, the silhouette of the city skyline rises against the horizon. It serves as a gentle reminder that even within urban spaces, the enduring rhythms of the land and water still remain, grounding us in the natural world.

The Credit River flows through Mississauga, serving as a central artery of life and memory—its waters representing the lifeblood of the land. As the sun rises over the horizon, the scene reflects the deep interconnection between water, land, and spirit.

Swimming through the current are fish, or giigoonh, who carry the teachings of knowledge and responsibility. In Anishinaabe culture, fish are seen as knowledge keepers and protectors of the natural world. Their movements speak to the rhythms of migration and the sacred cycles of life.

The flowing, wavy lines symbolize the layers of water, the current’s energy, and the river’s constant motion. Beneath it all, the lakebed grounds the scene—connecting the water to the earth and anchoring the story in place.

Above the river stand sugar maple and poplar trees, common to the banks of the Credit. Their presence pays tribute to the natural beauty that still surrounds us, even in the heart of a growing city.

This is a tribute to the strength of family, community, and the sacred relationships we hold with the land. At the center are two deer—waawaashkeshiwag—spiritual beings that represent gentleness, kinship, and protection. Standing face-to-face, they embody the balance and love shared between caregivers, forming a strong foundation for future generations.

A rich turquoise sky stretches behind them, evoking the clarity of early morning—a time of renewal, reflection, and hope. This sky speaks to the spiritual realm, the breath of life, and the space where ancestors guide and watch over us.

Floral forms arch protectively above the deer like a lodge, honouring the sacred medicines and teachings rooted in land and culture. The rising sun, held between them, represents the warmth of the Creator and the life energy shared by all living beings.

Beneath the deer, a tree of life stretches both upward and down into the soil. Nestled in the green hills rest two fawns—the children—protected by the land and nourished by ancestral roots that reach into nibi (water), the first medicine.

It is to speak to the enduring love that holds families together and the sacred interconnection with aki (the land). It reminds us that through love, land, and legacy, we continue to grow and thrive.