CKHA showcases Indigenous artist’s work at Chatham hospital

Artwork created by an Indigenous artist has been unveiled at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Chatham site marking another step forward in the organization’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism.

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The artwork consists of four pieces, created by Celeste Noah of Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit, Delaware Nation.

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“Collectively these art pieces reflect a rich tapestry of Indigenous tradition, intertwining storytelling and vibrant colors,” a hospital release said.

“Ms. Noah’s artwork serves as a powerful expression of connection to land, tradition, and spirituality,” CKHA board chair Deb Crawford added. “We are so pleased this art is now a permanent part of our Chatham site and hope that it will inspire meaningful conversations and foster a greater understanding of Indigenous culture.”

“This milestone marks another step forward in CKHA’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism,” said CKHA president and chief executive Lori Marshall.

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The works have been installed in the ambulatory care, dialysis and intensive care unit family waiting rooms and in the reflection space. Each is accompanied with a descriptive plaque for patients, families and visitors to learn about their meaning.

“I learned how to watercolor paint during the COVID-19 lockdown; it was a new hobby I picked up to occupy my time,” Noah said in the release. “I searched for other Native watercolor artists online, but could only find one example, so I used my knowledge and creativity to paint our people wearing their regalia, colorful in motion.”

Noah was shocked to be chosen after submitting his work in response to CKHA’s call for Indigenous artists.

“I’m so pleased to receive the opportunity to share Indigenous storytelling through my art with the hospital,” she said.

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Adding the art at the Chatham site was made possible through CKHA’s Innovation Grant Program, which lets staff, doctors, volunteers and patient advisors the bring forward ideas for positive change at CKHA that either benefit patients or the quality of the workplace.

In early 2023, the hospital’s WeRCKHA Staff Engagement Council voted on the grant submissions and Indigenous art for the Chatham and Wallaceburg sites were chosen to receive two of seven $1,000 grants.

The installation of Noah’s work in Chatham follows the addition of Revitalizing River, by Mariah Alexander of Walpole Island First Nation, at the Wallaceburg site.

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