NGH unveils Indigenous mural to honour reconciliation and healing

(From left to right: Jim Dawson; artist Arnold Jacobs; Marjorie Dawson; and Sarah Muntz-Flowerday, Interim Executive Director of the NGH Foundation, standing in front of the new Indigenous artwork at Norfolk General Hospital.)

Simcoe, ON – Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) is privileged to provide care on lands that First Nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, Haudenosaunee, and Chonnonton, have called home for thousands of years and continue to walk today.

As part of its commitment to reconciliation, NGH has unveiled a new mural at the West Street entrance. The mural was created by Indigenous artist Arnold Jacobs, an Onondaga artist from the Turtle Clan at Six Nations of the Grand River. The artwork welcomes patients, families, staff, and visitors each day with a message of respect, culture, and belonging.

The meaning behind the mural

Stretching across the entrance hallway, the mural features nine animals that hold important teachings in Haudenosaunee culture, including the eagle, wolf, bear, turtle, and deer. Each is painted in bold colours and stylized patterns that reflect Haudenosaunee traditions.

Jacobs explained that every part of the mural was created with intention and meaning.

“I felt honoured to be asked to create a mural that has Indigenous influence. When Todd (CEO) requested a mural that would make Indigenous people feel welcome, I was inspired, knowing my own background.”

Jacobs added that the animals and symbols represent connections to the natural world.

“In my Haudenosaunee culture, local animals and birds were adopted as brothers and sisters because we shared the land. The wildlife was honoured to represent our families from the natural elements of land, air, and water.

The Bear, Wolf, and Deer represent the land.

The Eel, Turtle, and Beaver represent the water. The Snipe, Heron, and Hawk represent the air.

The symbols at the bottom represent our origin, the SkyDome which upheld the Tree of Life.”

The background features the Haudenosaunee purple and white, a design that holds important meaning.

“All the white panels from left to right represent the Two Row Wampum Belt, the River of Life. The two purple bands represent two cultures. One band portrays the Haudenosaunee way of life and the other the non-Indigenous way. The two can travel the river but do not cross into each other. The traditional people upheld these principles.”

Jacobs completed the forty-foot mural over three months, using acrylic paint and his contemporary interpretation of Haudenosaunee artwork.

A shared vision

The mural began with conversations among hospital leaders about how to bring reconciliation into everyday spaces at NGH. The project was supported by leadership and the Board of Directors. Work then began with Indigenous partners to ensure the process was respectful and meaningful.

“Upon my arrival at NGH in 2022, the idea of a mural was mentioned to me by former Board Chair, Marjorie Dawson,” said Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO at NGH and NHNH. “Since then, my Executive Assistant, Rachel Hauser, and I have worked with many others across the organization to bring this project forward. This work reflects NGH’s growing commitment to reconciliation and to strengthening relationships with the Indigenous communities we serve.”

The mural was made possible through the support of Jim and Marjorie Dawson, long-time supporters of Norfolk General Hospital. Marjorie served for many years on the Board of Directors and as Board Chair. Their decision to support this project comes from their connection to Norfolk County and to the Indigenous Nations whose traditional lands we share.

“The Foundation is deeply grateful to Jim and Marjorie for their generosity,” said Sarah Muntz-Flowerday, Interim Executive Director, Norfolk General Hospital Foundation. “Their gift reflects their personal commitment to reconciliation and education, and it strengthens the hospital’s own ongoing work in this area. Their support will help ensure that every person who enters NGH feels welcomed, respected, and seen.”

Jim and Marjorie donated funds to help support this project and worked quietly with the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation to move it forward, reflecting their long-standing commitment to the community.

“Jim and I feel very fortunate to live here in Norfolk County, the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, Chonnonton, and Anishinaabeg, and the Mississaugas of the Credit,” Marjorie said. “We want to show our support for the Indigenous people who live here today. We also value the care provided at Norfolk General Hospital and want everyone to feel welcomed and respected when they enter the building. We believe that artwork can help people feel calm, safe, and encouraged.”

“My hope is that patients, families, and staff view and appreciate nature from an Indigenous perspective,” Jacobs said. “I try to share positive and meaningful teachings in every artwork that I create.”

About the artist

Arnold Jacobs is an Onondaga artist from Six Nations of the Grand River. His career spans more than four decades. His paintings, prints, and sculptures blend Haudenosaunee stories, symbolism, and teachings with contemporary design. His work appears in collections across Canada and the United States, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Canadian Museum of History.

One of the highlights of his career was the “flying eagle” design he created for Air Canada, which appeared on Boeing 767 aircraft from 2001 to 2008.

Jacobs said this project holds a special place in his career.

“Next to the Air Canada project, this mural gave me a chance to express how important culture is in shaping a person. I thank NGH for this opportunity.”

Commitment to reconciliation

The mural is one step in NGH’s work toward reconciliation. NGH is partnering with First Peoples Group to develop a multi-year reconciliation action plan. This plan will guide efforts to strengthen cultural safety and equitable care for Indigenous Peoples across the region.

“This mural is a visible expression of our commitment,” said Stepanuik. “Reconciliation is about listening, learning, and building trust. It is about creating a space where Indigenous patients, families, and staff feel respected and supported. The mural reminds us of that promise and encourages reflection, conversation, and connection.”

Jacobs reflected on the importance of this work.

“My hope is that non-Indigenous people see that many Indigenous people are rooted in nature and our teachings come from the land. I hope the community feels the pride and the dignity that we carry from our elders.”

Looking forward

Norfolk General Hospital will continue to walk this path with Indigenous Peoples, past, present, and future. The mural is a meaningful step in that work and a reminder of the importance of respect, culture, and connection in healing. This project reflects NGH’s goal of creating an environment that honours culture, supports healing, and welcomes every person who comes through its doors.