In October 2024, the second public art commission at the Gordie Howe International Bridge project in Windsor, ON, was installed. Titled Aazhoge, the 3-metre/10-foot-high free-standing sculpture is a contemporary reflection of the culture and traditions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, with emphasis on local Anishinaabe First Nations.
“Aazhoge” is the Anishinaabe word for bridge and can also mean crossing over or seeing other planes of existence. Created by renowned Anishinaabe artist, Michael Belmore, the artwork is prominently located within the Canadian Port of Entry, visible to travellers as they enter and exit Canada.
Meaningful representations are incorporated in the design.
- The stainless-steel structure reflects a curving piece of birchbark, a material of importance to the local Anishinaabe due to its ability to offer shelter and transportation and as a means to capture knowledge.
- A pattern to reflect wampum beads is laid out in Ascii code, a character encoding standard for electronic communication, to spell the word “Aazhoge”. The use of Ascii code is often used by the artist as a mnemonic device similar to wampum beads that were formerly used to convey information.
- The Three Fires Confederacy is recognized with three flames being released by an animikiig, or thunderbird or spirit. The Three Fires Confederacy consists of the Ojibwa, Odawa and Pottawatomi peoples that call this region their traditional lands. This inclusion was based on feedback from Caldwell First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation.
The Visual Art Program on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project aims to create memorable, high-quality, works of art consistent with the international importance of the bridge and to celebrate and promote creativity and friendship between Canada and the US. The program includes three public art components stemming from public input received during the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) study, an Underground Railroad commemorative art feature and several local art-related initiatives funded through the Community Benefits Plan.
“I was pleased to have been selected to create an artwork for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project as it offers an opportune exploration of liminality, a cornerstone of my artistic practice. Whether walking through a forest, or travelling across a bridge, as humans we are constantly observing our surroundings, creating connections between the things around us, looking for patterns, signs or even messages. In creating this sculpture, I aim to make linkages to nature and industry, both past and present." - Michael Belmore
Practicing for over 25 years, Mr. Belmore is an internationally recognized artist and is represented in the permanent collections of various institutions including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the National Museum of the American Indian – Smithsonian Institute. His artwork uses a variety of materials and processes that reflect the environment, land, water, and what it is to be Anishinaabe.
The commission also includes a six-month mentorship opportunity for an Indigenous youth from Caldwell First Nation to work with the artist. Naomi Peters has worked with Mr. Belmore throughout the artwork fabrication and installation process.
Four Indigenous artists from across Canada were interviewed in summer 2022 as part of the extensive artist selection process that resulted in Mr. Belmore’s selection to bring his distinct talents and perspective to this commission.
