The Township of Georgian Bay unveiled Teachings by the late William Anthony Monague in Council Chambers today. Monague’s wife, Brenda St. Denis-Monague; his sister-in-law, Jennifer; and his daughter, Kate Dyment, joined the Mayor, Members of Council and staff for the occasion. The only print of Teachings is now proudly displayed in Council Chambers.
Monague was a self-taught artist from Chimnissing/Beausoleil First Nation. His work drew inspiration from the traditional teachings of Mother Earth and the Spirit World, as well as the beauty of nature and the Georgian Bay shores that surrounded him.
The painting carries many layers of meaning. Its turtle shell shoreline recalls the Anishnaabe Creation Story and our reciprocal relationship with the land and water. The loons represent leadership, thoughtful governance, loyalty, communication and transformation, while the baby loon reflects the importance of family and the next generation. In one corner, the Big Dipper represents looking to the sky for guidance.
Introducing the painting, Mayor Peter Koetsier reflected on what its placement in Council Chambers means for the Township.
“William Anthony Monague’s Teachings brings a powerful reminder into the room where our Council makes decisions: to care for the land and water, to listen to one another, and to think about the generations who follow us. We are grateful to his family for sharing this work with our community. As we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we commit to carrying these lessons forward with respect and action.”
Dyment shared more of the meaning behind the painting and the lasting impact of her father’s work. Although she has “seen this image a thousand times,” she said she is still learning from it. “We are honoured to see the ripple of our family’s work.”
Dyment also sang and drummed “Wildflowers” during the unveiling. The song speaks to the beauty that grows when different ideas and perspectives come together.
Asked about the future of the community, Dyment connected that message to the decisions made today:
“We need each other to paint a full picture of our future. As we make decisions, we need to consider not just the people and the places but the land, water and environment. When we make decisions, we need to think about the seven generations before us and the seven generations to come.”
The unveiling took place one day before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The ceremony was followed by the raising of Every Child Matters orange flag outside the Township office, honouring the children who never returned home, and the generations of Indigenous Peoples affected by Canada’s residential school system.
Displayed in Council Chambers, Teachings offers an ongoing invitation to reflect, listen and learn.
