BURLINGTON CULTURAL MAPPING

Conversations and Stories, 2022
David General (Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario)
Granite Sculpture with etched text and symbols

Artist’s Statement

I was born on Six Nations of the Grand River and raised on Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. I’ve often mentioned my dual citizenship. Conversations and Stories is my homage to our similar history, development and resilience. We owe immense gratitude to past and present generations of speakers whose time, energy and commitment have retained, protected and revitalized our respective languages. Conversations and Stories poses two female figures walking to an event where they will share lessons their garments bear and answer questions the gathering put forward.Our traditional knowledge, ceremonies, teachings, governance and worldviews provide much for us to talk about - much to share. We celebrate the Thanksgiving Address, Seven Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel as gifts of guidance. Onkwehón:we and Anishinaabe Peoples are taking voices once considered in crisis and setting them on a path as timeless and as enduring as granite.

I am fortunate to have daughters and grandchildren committed to learning and teaching Kanyen’kéha (Mohawk language). Fortunate to have created several outdoor works of art that carry Onkwehón:we and Anishinaabe languages future generations recognize and be inspired learn and express.

Niá:wen Kowa. Chi Migwetch.

About the Artist

David General has past experiences as a Journeyman Ironworker, Elementary School Teacher, Arts and Cultural Officer with the Federal Government, Co-Chair Society of Canadian Artist of Native Ancestry, Elected Chief of the largest First Nation in Canada (by population), Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame Inductee and Indigenous Mentor/Advisor, OCAD University, Toronto. Combining Indigenous themes, classic materials (marble, bronze, granite) and modernist presentations, David has developed a distinctive style well suited to large outdoor artworks. 

This sculpture was made possible in part by the generous donation of Dan Lawrie.