The Indigenous Energy Easel is a work of public sculpture destined for Ottawa, Canada.

This project is collaboration with Dr. Monica Gattinger, director of the University of Ottawa's - Institute for Science, Society and Policy.  Monica is also the chair of the Positive Energy initiative at the University.  Positive Energy is a research arm that investigates how Canada can build public confidence with respect to our nation's energy.  In large part, Positive Energy does this by bringing together leaders in the policy, regulatory, environmental NGO, Indigenous, legal and academics sectors.   https://www.uottawa.ca/positive-energy/

Together with Monica, we are proposing a work of public sculpture that addresses the very complicated history between Canada's energy sector and our Indigenous people, with respect to issues of land reclamation.  The idea is to replace an existing hydro electric tower with a large steel easel, holding an Indigenous work of art on the giant canvas.  This national landmark will be one way for people to reflect on the incredibly complicated and devastating relationship between Canada's energy sector and our Indigenous people.  The sculpture will also act as a positive way-finder towards the future.  The impetus for the structure can be seen here.  

Various Indigenous groups are currently engaged and thanks in large part to conversations with Barry Ace – Ottawa based contemporary Indigenous artist; Victoria Henry – past director of the Canada Council and Steven Loft - Director of Indigenous Art at the Canada Council, we will now be creating a 7 m x 10 m digital canvas to highlight Indigenous, contemporary artists from across Canada.  This part of the project will be curated by an Indigenous artist / scholar.

I’m also thankful to have shared the project with Dr. Cynthia Stirbys – Senior Advisor, Indigenous Affairs and Public Affairs for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Through Cynthia’s guidance, we now have the MHCC full endorsement. Land reclamation has been a lightning rod for mental health issues on reserves across Canada.

We continue to be engaged with Indigenous communities and Energy sectors from across the country, as this proposal moves forward.

“What Cameron’s doing has the potential to change the narrative on energy in Canada. I am very excited and honoured to be working with him on it.”

-Dr. Monica Gattinger, University of Ottawa