Ajiijak: Oxenden’s Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

As we enter National Indigenous History Month, it’s important to reflect, learn, and honour the presence and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. Here in Georgian Bluffs, we are fortunate enough to have a powerful symbol of community-led  action and reconciliation in the heart of Oxenden: The Oxenden Indigenous Art Project. 

At the corner of Grey Road 1 and Zion Church Road, stands the Ajiijak (Crane), symbolizing wisdom, guidance, and communication. Ajiijak reminds us to listen, to speak up for the land and the water, and to act with care for future generations. It stands as a symbol of shared commitment to respect and reconciliation. 

The inspiration for this project came from a neighbourhood picnic in Oxenden during Canada’s 150th anniversary, where the community came together and realized the role they could play in recognizing the deep history of this land and the Indigenous communities who have cared for it for thousands of years. 

The residents of Oxenden held a call for proposals in Fall 2021, and in early 2022 convened a jury of First Nations and settler leaders and youth who unanimously chose the Ajiijak proposal from Charmaine Jenner (Tauchkwe), a self-taught woodland-style artist from Neyaashiinigmiig. Ajiijak was unveiled on August 13, 2022. 

Through a great deal of fundraising, more than 60 individuals and families contributed to bringing the project to life, commissioning Charmaine Jenner’s work, covering installation costs, and supporting knowledge-sharing events for the community. Today, Ajiijak stands as a permanent, public symbol of reconciliation. 

This Indigenous History Month, we encourage everyone to visit Ajiijak and take a moment to reflect on our shared history, and ways we can move forward. It’s a reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing journey—one that requires listening, learning, and working together. 

To learn more about the Oxenden Indigenous Art Project, visit oxendenindigenousartproject.weebly.com. 

Let’s keep the conversation going.