It’s a mural depicting the determination and perseverance of 200 women, men and children who, in 1840, journeyed from New York State to what is now Oneida Nation of the Thames.
The journey involved crossing Lake Erie by steamer from Buffalo to Port Stanley.
Unveiled Tuesday (June 11) at the Elgin Heritage Centre, the Oneida Mural directly binds the County of Elgin with the Oneida settlement, explained Brian Masschaele, Elgin’s Director of Community and Cultural Services.
He added the mural not only serves as a reminder of the shared history but also strengthens the bonds between the communities.
A sentiment echoed by County of Elgin Warden Ed Ketchabaw
Ketchabaw added the mural directly binds the County of Elgin with the Oneida settlement story. That observation was echoed by Rosalind Antone from Oneida Nation of the Thames.
Dr. Eileen Antone from Oneida Nation of the Thames explained the mural was created by the Oneida community.
Artist Sheila Nicholas interprets one of the mural panels.
Dr. Antone told myFM what she experienced when she was young.
Elgin County’s Museum and Archives staff collaborated closely with the Oneida Language & Cultural Centre to bring this mural to life.
Masschaele stressed the project was made possible “through the dedicated efforts of volunteers and artists who contributed their time and talent.”
