Beth McCubbin
visual artist & conservator
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the clay project

The Clay Project started as a discussion between visual artist Beth McCubbin and aboriginal youth worker Kateri Miles, from Minwaashin Lodge in Vanier, Ottawa. The intent of the project is to offer free clay workshops to Ottawa's Aboriginal Community, to celebrate Community through the creation of a Public Artwork, and as a positive way to be involved in the Canada 150 celebrations.

Once permanently installed, the mural will be accompanied by a plaque to celebrate all Indigenous Peoples in 2017. It will distinguish this time in history as Year One of Reconciliation in Canada and commemorate our present and future as a Proud Strong Diverse Nation.

The mural is presently composed of 80 tiles made by over 75 participants...and still growing...

Finished tiles from 510 Rideau

5 more tiles ready for the mural!

In Inuktituk nuna, ᓄᓇ means earth, nature, land. This tile maker said "Nuna is us. The Inuit People"

In Inuktituk nuna, ᓄᓇ means earth, nature, land. This tile maker said "Nuna is us. The Inuit People"

really nice version of the medicine wheel and the four directions...with a feather

really nice version of the medicine wheel and the four directions...with a feather

The syllabics ᓄᓇᕗᑦ mean Nunavut

The syllabics ᓄᓇᕗᑦ mean Nunavut

Kawennihes is the tile makers Mohawk name. The Iroquois Confederacy symbol is also seen in the centre of the tile.

Kawennihes is the tile makers Mohawk name. The Iroquois Confederacy symbol is also seen in the centre of the tile.

A representation of the original Two Row Wampum treaty belt.

A representation of the original Two Row Wampum treaty belt.

A Wampum is a traditional shell bead that was often kept on strings and used in storytelling, ceremonial gifts, and recording important treaties and historical events. In 1613 a mutual treaty between the Dutch Government and the Five Nations of the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) was recorded on The Two Row Wampum treaty belt. The agreement is considered by the Haudenosaunee to be the basis of all of their subsequent treaties with European and North American governments. 

This wampum records the meaning of the agreement, which declared peaceful coexistence between the Haudenosaunee and Dutch settlers in the area. The pattern of the belt consists of two rows of purple wampum beads against a background of white beads. The purple beads signify the courses of two vessels — a Haudenosaunee canoe and a European ship — traveling down the river of life together, parallel but never touching.  The three white stripes denote peace and friendship.

Beth McCubbin