Circle of Indigenous Knowledge

Joseph Sagaj, a member of the Neskantaga First Nation, was selected to create a design for a terrazzo floor for its new Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CITE) at the Newnham Campus.

“It is significant that our people are being featured in a prominent place that is honoring our knowledge-sharers and elders,” said Sagaj, adding that the project was an opportunity for him to learn the “old ways” from his community. “The theme is we are one strand of the web of life.”

In the medallion’s center, a turtle—its bright eye a single mirror chip—represents Mother Earth. In an indigenous creation tale, North and Central America emerge like a turtle from the water-covered earth. The medallion is oriented to true north, indicated by the head of the turtle. The colors around the turtle stand for the four points of the compass and the different peoples of the earth. Moving outward, a second ring showcases nine planets, each with its own traditional tale, referring to an interconnection with the entire universe of creation.

Below the turtle in the outer ring is an inuksuk: an iconic stone landmark as found throughout Canada. A ceremonial gateway to the spirit world and memorial to the dead, it’s set against the rosy backdrop of the winter midnight sun. Moving around the circle we find the figure-eight symbol of the Métis people and a “star blanket,” with its seven-pointed star in gold, red, and blue, a ceremonial gift of welcome. Another Métis symbol is composed of human figures of different colors linking hands, followed by a blue dream-catcher and floral ornamentation representing native beadwork.