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The Light Through the Forest
As a mother I strongly identify with the spirit of this project and the representation of the bison being known for their loyalty and protectors of their family. That is why the piece that my daughter and I created incorporated femininity, including florals, as well as natural landscapes representing Mother Earth and whimsical aspects appealing to a sense of childlike wonder, instilling hope and light during difficult times.
Our piece is called The Light Through the Forest. The body of the bison is painted in a forest landscape, including trees that stand tall and protect us. It includes a river running through the center, as water is life. A grassy meadow embanking both sides of the river where animals graze and food and medicines grow. The bottom of the bison are rock formations, representing stability and strength. The landscape is also reminiscent of the beauty of the land that we live on in Manitoba.
Over the landscape are large floral designs to represent femininity, these are also flower patterns that I grew up seeing around my home and in community art.
To add whimsy to the piece to appeal to a sense of childlike wonder, my daughter has created original woodland animal characters that are placed throughout the artwork. The woodland animals bring a sense of playfulness and innocence to the piece.
On the head of the bison is a large sun, providing light, warmth, and positivity, shining bright to represent hope. The sun also represents looking inward and finding light to see the world in amazing ways to help give you the power to navigate through any hardships.
Artist: Miranda Dubé & Phoenix Dubé-Fleming
Herd Leader: Lafarge
Bison
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Prior to the meeting with Christy at the Toba Centre and the board for the project, it was just that, a project to me. Get a sculptor, work on a precast-friendly design, make a form, pour some bison—check.
The meeting, however, was moving. Alfred and I toured the facility and learned about the challenges they faced in evolving into who they are today, driven by a desperate need in the community. From their creation in 2013 and their mission to “restore the health and well-being of those affected by child abuse through a coordinated, community response,” to the words written in the entrance to the facility, “In the heart of the storm, bison face adversity head-on,” we both knew this was more than just a project. Needless to say, the “project” took on a life and a cause.
I am proud to say that we are moved and honored to be involved in this amazing project and to produce bison that are as strong, durable, and resistant as the individuals at the Toba Centre and the children they care for.”
Paul Champagne
Precast Sales Manager, Manitoba/Saskatchewan
Lafarge Canada Inc.
AT THE HEART OF THE STORM, YOU’LL FIND
A place to be heard, helped, & healed
For children and youth who have experienced abuse, Toba Centre provides wraparound support. Our team of professionals from law enforcement, child protection, medical, mental health, and other support services work together from one location to help young people and their families throughout their healing journey.
Cows run away from the storm while the buffalo charges toward it – and gets through it quicker. Whenever I’m confronted with a tough challenge, I do not prolong the torment, I become the buffalo.
– Wilma Mankiller
MORE THAN
1 in 3
Canadians report experiencing some form of child abuses
200,000
investigations of child abuse and neglect in Canada annually
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