A new public art project in Carlyle is sparking conversation and reflection, as banners honouring Indigenous history and the journey toward reconciliation were unveiled yesterday.
The project began when Indigenous artist Emilee Steffenson approached the Town of Carlyle last September with the idea to create public artwork reflecting reconciliation. Town staff member Dawn Faber was assigned the project, and she brought Steffensen in to work together. Faber said the project was a true collaboration, with both artists contributing ideas to ensure the designs reflected the spirit of cooperation and respect for Indigenous symbolism.
Faber said being part of the project made her proud of what she has accomplished. She added that the friendships formed during the collaboration were meaningful and hopes the project will inspire other artists and youth in the community to take on similar initiatives.
Steffensen spoke about the personal significance of the banners. “Being a part of this initiative and knowing it will be displayed along Main Street is deeply healing for my younger self and is a sign that we do belong, that our stories matter, and that our presence is seen and honored. These banners are more than just that. They are a promise to remember the children who made it home, to honour the survivors and their families, and to create a future where Indigenous people see themselves represented, celebrated, and valued in their own communities,” she said. She also described how the banners incorporate prairie lilies, eagle feathers, tipis, and the medicine wheel, representing resilience, heritage, and connection to the land.
Faber and Steffensen said the banner project is part of a broader effort to celebrate Indigenous art in the region. Faber has previously designed banners for the town and Steffensen teaches digital art workshops for White Bear youth. Both artists hope to install a mural on the town office next year. The mural, like the banners, is intended to highlight truth and reconciliation and inspire future generations of artists.
During the ceremony, Elder Michael Lonechild blessed the banners and the meal, while the Thundering Bear Drum Group performed. Attendees viewed the banners and shared a communal meal to close out the event.
White Bear First Nation Councillor Tanya Littlechief highlighted the significance of the project, saying, “Reconciliation is an act, not just words. We encourage the youth to carry on the reconciliation, ours and yours. It’s very important for our community to heal, and with unity this can happen. This is true ‘reconcilli-action.’”
Mayor Jennifer Sedor said the project marked a step forward for collaboration between the two communities. “I think this was a really huge step forward for our communities to be able to work together. In terms of meaningful, as Councillor Tanya put it, ‘reconcili-action,’ this is the start where our community members and our two communities can come together and start having conversations about what projects we can work on together,” she said.
Sedor also encouraged residents to learn more about local Indigenous history. “If we can all take some time out of our busy schedules to review the history of colonization, of the residential schools, and of the history of our own small towns and how they impacted Indigenous culture in the area, once we understand our history, we can start from a place of knowing and education. I encourage everyone to start with an Indigenous Ways of Knowing class. It’s something I’m doing myself and really enjoying.”
The banners will be put up in town starting today and remain on display along Carlyle's Main Street through October, serving as a visible reminder of the importance of truth, reconciliation, and collaboration within the community.