‘Circle of Life’ by Ed Pien and Jay Soule in collaboration with Daniels/BAIF

‘Circle of Life’, Ed Pien and Jay Soule. Rendering courtesy of the artists.

Circle of Life depicts a fast-flowing river replete with Atlantic salmon swimming and jumping upstream.

The water-jet cut, stainless steel sculpture is accompanied by seven river boulders, each inscribed with an image and a word in Anishinaabe and English. Their inclusion acknowledges and celebrates the seven ancestral teachings that guide being in the world in a positive way. These teachings (Mino Bimaadiziwin) are Mnaadendmowin / Respect, Zaagidwin / Love, Gwekwaadziwin / Honesty, Aakode’ewin / Bravery, Dbegendizwin / Humility, Debwewin / Truth, and Nibwaakaawin / Wisdom.

In this artwork, water represents Toronto’s vital rivers and their historic significance to Indigenous Peoples. It also serves as a reminder of the environmental challenges Indigenous communities continue to face today regarding clean drinking water. 

Circle of Life was commissioned by Daniels BAIF under the umbrella of the Vaughan City-Wide Public Art Program and managed by ART+PUBLIC UnLtd.