Reflections of Ourselves is a collaborative artwork celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Canadians. The installation explores the question “Who are we?” The dual lenses of cultural heritage and material culture are expressed through textile traditions and contemporary techniques. Leaves created by over 100 Indigenous, settler and immigrant Canadians honouring their cultural heritage, hang from the branches of a genealogical maple tree. Over 36 million people live on Turtle Island within the boundaries of Canada. Some are recent arrivals while others trace ancestors who have been here since time immemorial, each with their own stories and rich traditions.

Concerned by intolerance and attacks on cultural groups, lead artist and project developer Tracey Lawko created this tree as a metaphor for our community, where distinctions in human culture are like the variations of individual leaves on a tree. It is her hope that the individual creative expressions on each leaf engage viewers to learn more about each culture, enable cultural exchange and increase respect and understanding.