FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Our Common Woods at National Aboriginal Day Celebration Public Art Installations Unveiled on Halifax Common as Part of National Aboriginal Day
“Through “Our Common Woods” we hope to connect people with opportunities to better understand the integral nature of trees in our communities.”
Said Halifax Mayor Mike Savage of the project while on stage at the event.
The installations, by local artists Alan Syliboy, Erin Phip, Gary Staple, Theo Heffler, and Steve Sekerak function as park-scape furniture, and iconic sculptural pieces. When speaking about his work Mi’kmaw Sign Post and it’s intentions Alan Syliboy offered:
“We can see ourselves here, we are planted in this land, this is a permanent fixture in this park, in this city. We can see ourselves in it.”
National Aboriginal Day celebrations continued throughout the day, with dancing, a marketplace, food, and numerous presentations and workshops held into the afternoon.
About Our Common Woods: Our Common Woods is an initiative to promote and operate under principles of sustainability and placemaking by the Halifax Regional Muicipaltiy, in association with The Deanery Project — the organization commissioned to facilitate and curate Our Common Woods. The trees, ranging in age from 40 to 120 years old, which would have otherwise gone to landfill, have instead been given new purpose through this project.
About The Deanery Project: The Deanery Project is an arts and environmental learning centre located in Ship Harbour, on the Eastern Shore. Situated on 25 acres of woodland oceanfront The Deanery offers programming with an emphasis on environmental sustainability, community strengthening, artistry, and natural building.
