ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – A special installation has been unveiled at the Hannahville Indian School and Nah Tah Wahsh Public School Academy.
Artists Kelley and Gavin Brodin are the founders of Los Angeles-based design house Formed For. The two also run a nonprofit public art initiative called We Will Not Be Forgotten.
“We collaborate with different communities to come up with a sculpture that celebrates their culture,” Kelley explained.
About a year ago, Kelley reached out to Hannahville teacher Jessyee Blair with an idea.
“One of her questions was, ‘In 100 years, what would your students like people to see that would represent the community and them?'” Blair said. “I posed that question to my class.”
Two of her students, James Johnsen and Izayah Harris, drew up an idea for a sculpture in a matter of 15 minutes. The Brodins created an eight-foot corten steel sculpture based on their design. On Thursday, the finished sculpture was dedicated in front of a group of students, teachers, community members, and the Tribal Council.
“It is beautiful,” said Blair. “It represents our Seven Teachings, with the four directions on top, and then the eagle representing not only the [Hannahville] Soaring Eagles, but also love. In the center is an orb to see your reflection—the Seven Teachings and you.”
“There’s also paws for the Seven Grandfathers,” Johnsen added.
The Seven Grandfathers Teachings—widsdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth—are engraved in the sculpture in the Potawatomi language.
“I know that’s something that they’re really trying to promote in the community is that the children learn to speak the language,” Kelley said. “Their teacher told me there’s only five members of the community who know how to speak this language, so it’s really important that that’s carried on to future generations. Part of our responsibility as artists is to create something that gives back to communities, so we’re really happy to be a part of it.”
“It’s incredible—I mean, look at it,” Gavin said, gesturing to a group of students looking at the sculpture. “This is amazing. This is what we do it for. We’re very proud.”
The unveiling marked the 51st anniversary of the Hannahville Indian School, as well as the 31st anniversary of the Nah Tah Wahsh Public School Academy.
