The concept creator and the artist

Wazhashk (Muskrat) artwork by Concept Creator Maxine Lesage, RN

The inspiration for the artwork came to me during the humble beginnings of the Indigenous-led Best Practice Champions project while having a discussion with a colleague on a sunny spring afternoon. We reflected on the impact of our Indigenous communities and their Best Practice Spotlight Organizations® (BPSO®) and expressed the barriers we often face because of limited capacity and resources to implement the BPSO program. I then shared my concerns about what would amount to a significant undertaking and the realization of how much responsibility I would be taking on as the project lead. In addition, and as regular practice, I often connect with Spirit through solitary walks outside and nearby waters, placing my Asemaa (Tobacco) on Shkagamik-kwe (Mother Earth) and our sacred waters as an offering, to seek guidance and direction from Gichi-Manidoo (Great Spirit).

While pondering if this project would result in similar outcomes, I peered out my window staring at the beautiful skyline; the sun with her warm rays on my face gave me a peaceful feeling.

I quietly asked Creator how I would be able to carry on this important work in a good way. Just then, the idea that came to me was in proximity, as I looked over at the wall behind me, in my son’s (former) bedroom that is now a present-day office.

There, on the wall above his bed, hung a beautiful, framed artwork image of Wazhashk (Muskrat). Years before, I had cut out this art picture from a calendar. I was amazed by its beauty and vibrant colours; it is a spiritual illustration that is often immersed in Indigenous artwork. I often cut out art pictures from used Indigenous artwork calendars and, because they are too beautiful to throw out, I frame them.

I couldn’t remember exactly why I chose the picture of Wazhashk, but I recall the connection it brought me because of my son, his disability, his small physical size and the many struggles he faced. I guess I never took that picture down because subconsciously, it was a reminder to always be there for him and to be a mentor and role model for him in life.

Coincidently, the image connected with me that day with the Creation Story and how Wazhashk was the true hero of all the water animals that were tasked to swim down to the bottom of the waters and come back with the soil needed to build Turtle Island.  With his small size and demeanour, he was not front and centre amongst the other water animals. Subtle in nature, he did not present himself out front to be the one who would be up for the task. However, when asked, he did so without hesitation. Again, what our little friend faced when he was asked to dive down to the bottom of the large waters and retrieve the soil, although small, was not to be underestimated.   

As I glanced at that picture I thought, we as the champions team, are just like Wazhashk, this wonderful little creature. Like his journey, ours would not be an easy one – there would be many challenges and sacrifices ahead.

Synonymous to this story is the inspiration of this project. We are a small Champions project team, but encompass the passion, resilience and individual experiences as a collective that will contribute to its success and inspire all Indigenous BPSOs to flourish as Indigenous changemakers.    

Much like the responsibilities associated with this project, the analogy is quite similar as Indigenous Peoples. We are not normally on the forefront, but rather in the shadows. We are not always chosen to lead or be a part of something that is groundbreaking or has impact, as our history precedes us and often impedes our ability to succeed in life. 

Very much like Wazhashk, the teachings of humility, courage and bravery among others, are echoed as sacred qualities that are foundational to the project within the spiritual realm as the catalyst for change.

Our story parallels the resilience and courage that Indigenous Peoples have and continue to face because of our struggled past, but they also teach us the importance of the sacrifices we must make to instill change in others, while strengthening our resilience in the ongoing face of adversity.

This in turn will hopefully inspire us to exist as humanitarians who promote selfless acts of kindness and challenge us to be the best we can be for all of humankind.  

We have been tasked to lead this groundbreaking project that will affect change not only for the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) but for our Indigenous communities. We hope our perspective and ways of knowing, being and doing resonate with any Indigenous organization interested in learning about the Indigenous BPSO program and that in turn other organizations will be inclined to feel included and heard while embracing their Indigenous worldview.

The simple act of inclusion by RNAO – to request an Indigenous organization to review the curriculum of the Best Practice Champions program – is the epitome of a true act of reconciliation in its most organic form, for which I am forever grateful.

Anishinaabe-inspired Wazhashk (Muskrat) artwork described by Indigenous Artist, Grace Swain

Introduction:

The Indigenous-led Best Practice Champions (Champions) project is deeply committed to integrating Indigenous perspectives into its core framework. This initiative aspires to embrace the spirit of resilience, community and transformation. The Anishinaabe-inspired logo draws upon the Creation Story of Turtle Island, emphasizing the importance of Wazhashk (Muskrat) as a symbol of resilience and keeping an open mind.

Logo elements:

Wazhashk Rising from the Weeds:

  • Wazhashk, a symbol of resilience and tenacity, rises from the weeds, embodying the strength and determination required for transformative change.
  • This imagery draws a parallel to the Creation Story, symbolizing the challenging journey that Champions undertake to bring positive change to their communities. It also symbolizes the Indigenous Peoples who have and actively are working hard to Indigenize and decolonize this program for our current and future communities and healthcare workers.

7 Grandfather Teachings:

  • Seven blades of grass emerging from the sweetgrass, integrate the Seven Grandfather Teachings: wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth, which represents the foundations of this project.
  • Each blade represents a facet of personal and community growth, emphasizing the traditional teachings embedded within the champion’s project.

Sun

  • A call for Indigenous leaders and Indigenous-led initiatives within the Champions project is reflected through Wazhashk seeking guidance from the sun. This marks a significant step towards decolonization, ensuring that the program is culturally sensitive and respectful of the cultural traditions integral to Indigenous communities.
  • The inclusion of the sun in the artwork aligns with the Anishinaabe belief that the sun represents the Creator’s benevolent energy and wisdom. As Wazhashk swims towards the sun, it symbolizes a journey guided by the Creator’s light. This ascent toward the sun encapsulates the overarching mission of the champions project – seeking guidance, and wisdom to illuminate the path towards positive change and transformative impact. It also serves as a reminder that we are guided by the Creator in all the work that we do.

Sweetgrass braid:

  • The sweetgrass braid, with its three strands intricately woven together, mirrors the interconnected relationship between the past, present, and future. It represents the ongoing legacy of Anishinaabe traditions, emphasizing the importance of cultural continuity within the champion’s project.
  • The intertwining strands of the sweetgrass braid symbolize the interconnectedness of all life forms. This resonates with the project’s commitment to inclusivity and unity, highlighting the idea that each individual involved is a vital strand contributing to the collective strength of the champion’s project.
  • In all, the sweetgrass braid serves as a visual reminder of the cultural roots, traditions, and unity essential to the success of the champion’s project. Its presence incorporates the Indigenous lens of the initiative, ensuring that every aspect is grounded in respect, harmony, and a shared commitment to positive change.

Line:

  • The line connecting the sun and surrounding Wazhashk within this artwork signifies the cyclical nature of this project and the interconnectedness of all of us here on Turtle Island. Just like this continuous line, it shows the commitment to this project’s goals.

Background:

The Indigenous-led best practice champions project stands as a groundbreaking initiative, weaving Indigenous perspectives into its very fabric. The artwork, rooted in the Creation Story of Turtle Island, highlights Wazhashk as a champion embodying resilience and the importance of fresh perspectives. This narrative serves as a reminder of the profound connection between Wazhashk’s determination and resilience and the transformative work of the Champions Project.

In the Creation Story, when the Anishinaabe people faced a great flood, it was Wazhashk who, against all odds, retrieved a handful of Earth from the bottom of the water. Wazhashk’s sacrifice laid the foundation for a new Earth on the back of the turtle, representing today’s North America.

Wazhashk is important in this work. While this work at times is not easy, Indigenous Peoples are resilient and determined to navigate their path towards success.

We are the champions. Wazhashk represents this. Wazhashk reminds us that anyone can do what they put their minds to, and to not underestimate anyone’s size. Wazhashk represents the ones who are often forgotten and unseen, and serves as a reminder of what we’ve had to endure to come out successful. We had to go into the weeds with these high-level frameworks and make them understandable, inclusive, and accessible.

When you complete this training, you become a champion. You become and are Wazhashk – a champion. This training is open to everyone – community members, health-care workers – not just nurses. This program is about becoming a change agent, and knowing that once you have this knowledge, you are then able to take it back to your community or health-care agency with that Indigenous perspective to implement it.

In addition, Wazhashk symbolically swimming up towards the sun serves as a reminder that we are guided by the Creator in all the work that we do.

Conclusion:

As the artwork intertwines the elements of the Creation Story, it encapsulates the essence of the champions project – a commitment to inclusivity, resilience, and community empowerment. This Anishinaabe-inspired design not only reflects the deep connection to Indigenous values but also serves as a visual testament to the transformative journey toward health equity. Wazhashk, in its symbolic role, reminds individuals to rise above challenges, mirroring the spirit of the Champions project.