Six Nations Polytechnic collaborated with the Group of Six this past Spring to bring the Brantford Campus Student Lounge to life. Highlighting the Ganǫhǫnyǫhk / Ohé:ton Karihwatéhkwen (Thanksgiving Address), this continuous piece of work is certain to help our students, current and future, feel more grounded when they visit the lounge.
A combined effort of 4 of the members of the Group of Six (Lillian Maracle-Williams, Frankie Warner, Imani Mitten & Mya Warner), we are absolutely delighted to highlight their amazing work done to bring vibrance and knowledge all-in-one to our Brantford Student Lounge!
A recent student of our University Consortium Program (UP), Mya Warner, shared about the project, “The theme [of this mural] is the Ganǫhǫnyǫhk (Thanksgiving Address). The Ganǫhǫnyǫhk
“Words Before All Else” is a customary protocol speech given amongst the Haudenosaunee peoples before gatherings, meetings and ceremonies to celebrate all life on Earth.”
“As Haudenosaunee people, we acknowledge the relations we have to the sky, plant and animal life that surround us, and what that relationship we hold with these vastly different yet similar life forms means for the future generations of our people to come. This speech is vital to begin any gathering because though everyone may be going through their own personal issues, the Ganǫhǫnyǫhkis a way to calm and be a “gathering of minds” to those present.”
“In order to be fully present, you must first be mindful of all other living things that are among you on this Earth.”
A continuous piece rather than isolated and separated, our artwork depicts our beliefs in “giving thanks” by tying in aspects of traditional Haudenosaunee living rooted in our lived experience as not only Haudenosaunee people, but also people who are fortunate enough to come from traditionally rich families.
Nya:weh (thank you) to the Group of Six for all of their hard work, time, and creative visions they poured into this project. We know students, now and in the future, will feel more grounded in the Brantford Student Lounge thanks to your efforts and art.
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