Algonquin artists design benches for Sherbourne LRT station, rooted in Indigenous teachings

Jade Rogers-Baptiste grew up on Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and was always drawn to the link between Indigenous teachings and art. Now, as part of the City of Ottawa's public art program around the future Sherbourne LRT station, she and fellow artist Sylvia Tennisco are inviting residents to sit with their work.

Rogers-Baptiste designed a bench featuring footprints of sacred animals inspired by the Seven Grandfather Teachings — foundational Anishinaabe principles passed down from elders on how to lead a full life and respect the Earth. Black animal prints contrast sharply against the light-wood bench, creating visual intrigue. "It's a way to prompt questions and curiosity," Rogers-Baptiste said. "Why is there footprints of these different animals? Some people may see it differently, and it would make them investigate it."

Tennisco's bench, titled "Sturgeon," represents the importance of the freshwater fish species for Algonquin people before major dam projects changed the Ottawa River landscape. The sturgeon now faces extinction. In the design, the sturgeon jumps from a boat — a symbol of resilience. "A sturgeon is very resilient — it's been around for years," Tennisco said. "The fact that it's jumping out of the boat shows that it'll keep on surviving, just like our people will keep on surviving."

Tennisco also honored Algonquin storytelling traditions: sturgeon spine and cartilage were historically woven into wampum belts, the material lasting the belt's entire lifespan.

Both artists faced the challenge of translating two-dimensional designs into urban public art within city constraints and accessibility requirements. Algonquin Anishinaabe artist Claude Latour, who previously designed a bench for the Flora Footbridge public art project, provided mentorship. "A call came out with the city, but they realized that it's two different cultures, and it's a different understanding of the cultural divide between Indigenous communities that aren't privy to the urban movement of time," Latour said.

Rogers-Baptiste and Tennisco leaned on Latour's guidance to navigate both artistic translation and city bureaucracy. "I've just done designs, but now we had to make it real," Rogers-Baptiste said. "So, that was an interesting hurdle, to understand how to properly translate it and understanding the materials needed to make this a real bench."

The benches are now installed in Byron Linear Tramway Park, inviting people to stop, sit, and discover the stories embedded in the wood.