New Indigenous art and language installations celebrated at YKF

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo is proud to unveil three Indigenous cultural initiatives at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF), developed in collaboration with Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and urban Indigenous artists. The new art and language installations encourage visitors to YKF to learn about and honour the rich culture, history, and traditions of the lands on which the airport is situated. 

The initiatives include:  

• Indigenous Languages Greetings Wall: a welcoming installation featuring greetings in the languages of Indigenous peoples within the Region.

• Three New Indigenous Murals: created by Jeannette Ladd (Anishinaabe artist from Saugeen First Nation), Judy Ross Mack (Urban Indigenous artist of Swampy Cree heritage from Weenusk First Nation), and Cheyenne Ricard (Haudenosaunee artist of Mohawk and Tuscarora descent), these works under the theme “Honouring These Lands and Waterways” bring to life cultural reflections and resilience of Indigenous communities.

• Ohontsà:ke nitioné:non onkwakara’shón:’a - Our Stories from the Land exhibit: curated by Janis Kahentóktha Bomberry, Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River that reflects on and shares the stories and histories of the lands on which YKF resides through an Onkwehon:wé (Original Peoples) contemporary artists and storytellers lens. Featured artists include Elizabeth Doxtater, Lorrie Gallant, Sara General-Deer, Karennotakies Barnes, Kate Dalton and Phil Monture. The exhibit was funded by the Province of Ontario, Regional Tourism Organization 4 and the Region of Waterloo. 

The greetings wall and three murals have been installed in the Domestic Arrivals building, which is accessible to the public. The exhibit is featured in the Departures Lounge, located in a secure area accessible only to passengers with a valid boarding pass.  

As YKF marks its 75th anniversary in 2025, the Region recognizes the thousands of years of Indigenous presence on these lands and waterways. The creation of these public arts and culture initiatives at YKF showcases the rich cultural heritage and the enduring presence and contributions of Indigenous peoples to the Region of Waterloo.   

“These initiatives were inspired by conversations and collaboration between the Region and First Nations partners and highlight the significant presence of Indigenous culture in and around Waterloo Region, offering visitors a meaningful opportunity to learn about and engage with the history and traditions of Indigenous Peoples,” said Karen Redman, Chair, Region of Waterloo. “This project reflects our ongoing efforts to foster reconciliation, celebrate relationship-building and our commitment to growing with care.”  

“To see our languages and culture represented at YKF is a testament to the resilience and revitalization efforts of the Onkwehon:wé to maintain our ways of knowing, living and being,” said Sherri-Lyn Hill, Elected Chief, Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation. “I commend the Region of Waterloo in taking this important step to share a very small part of who we are with all that pass through their gates.” 

As a gateway welcoming thousands of visitors each year, YKF serves as an important space to showcase Indigenous artists and storytellers. For more information on these initiatives, visit: waterlooairport.ca/art

Quotes from contributors:  

“It was important for me to highlight artists whose art connects with the land, the seasons, and the often-absent history of these lands. An element of storytelling, each artist showed through the art a new lens which expands on layers of Indigenous ideology and traditional knowledge. Most of all it was important for the exhibit to educate visitors on the history as they enter the lounge on the long connection to this land our Onkwehon:we (Original Peoples) have had for thousands of years.” - Janis Kahentóktha Bomberry, Exhibit Curator, Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River  

“This mural is a powerful opportunity to honour the lands and waterways that have always been central to my life and culture. As an Anishinaabe artist, it’s about sharing the stories and values of my culture while creating a space for reflection and connection. My hope is that this piece will inspire people to see the land and water not just as resources, but as living entities that deserve care and respect. It’s a chance to celebrate our shared responsibility to honour and protect what sustains us all.”  - Jeannette Ladd, Anishinaabe artist from Saugeen First Nation  

“When we offer prayers to the Grand River, we pray for all living beings that are connected. We feed her spirit so that we never forget how sacred water is to our everyday lives. It's purity. It's beauty. Most of all, for our survival.” - Judy Ross Mack, Urban Indigenous artist of Swampy Cree heritage from Weenusk First Nation

“I’m excited to share the stories of my nation’s people, honouring our history and culture through this project. It’s an opportunity to bring attention to the significance of these lands and waterways, and to represent my nation in a meaningful way.” - Cheyenne Ricard, Haudenosaunee artist of Mohawk and Tuscarora descent