Cathy Dobson/Local Journalism Initiaitve

Mural artist Kennady Osborne was honoured with a ceremonial blanket and sacred eagle feather during an emotional presentation Saturday at the Aamjiwnaang community centre.

Osborne is the 27-year-old Haudenosaunee artist hired by the City of Sarnia to create an eight-foot by 20-foot mural for city hall’s lobby. 

Shortly after its unveiling in March, the mural was criticized by Sarnia City/Councillor Bill Dennis, which led to a heated exchange on social media with Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Janelle Nahmabin.

Trying to stop Dennis’ words from creating dissension between the city and First Nation, council held a special meeting where a written apology was demanded from Dennis.  However, he has repeatedly said that won’t happen.

“I was crushed when everything went down and I wanted to do something for you to lift your spirits,” Aamjiwnaang Councillor Sherri Crowley told Osborne as she presented her with an eagle feather. “I think you are fantastic.”

About 100 friends and family formed a circle around Osborne during the ceremony and broke out in applause several times as Osborne was recognized for her work and a drum circle performed. Several members of Sarnia council attended as well.

Osborne also received a quilted purple and grey blanket made by women from the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. It was wrapped around her as a symbol of protection and comfort, said Nahmabin.

“When you need to feel safe, remember the leadership of Aamjiwnaang and Stony Point,” she told Osborne.  “…we will protect you and love you and appreciate you.”

The chief congratulated Osborne for her work as a full-time artist and owner of the Seventh Rayne Design Co. in downtown Sarnia. “You reflected your roots so well in the (city hall) mural and other work you do,” said Nahmabin.  “You put so much thought and care into it.”

Osborne was emotional as she accepted the accolades and thanked Aamjiwnaang’s chief and council.

“When I started painting this mural, I knew that it was important and would have more meaning than some of my previous work,” she said.  “But I never knew or expected it would have the impact that it did.

 “…I want today to prove that you can be from two worlds and you can honour the same things.  It all comes down to us being human and having mutual respect for one another, building strong communities for all. 

“A huge part of that is education,” she said.

Osborne’s city hall mural highlights the relationship between Sarnia-Lambton and the Council of Three Fires Confederacy.  It was commissioned as part of the UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) working group’s effort to advance the UN’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“I’m very happy with the mural,” she said.  “It’s something great for city hall. It’s colourful.  It’s very welcoming and I think that’s very important.”