The House recently tapped MJ Singleton to create a work to mark a major milestone in the renewal of the building. The piece captures the spirit of community, growth and resilience that characterizes the House’s role as a space of belonging and exploration for students.
Outside of the Warden’s Office in Hart House, visitors can now experience a breathtaking new piece of art: Maamawi agiiji-aki (together on the land). This colourful illustration is the work of Anishinaabe and two-spirit artist MJ Singleton, a third-year student at University of Toronto Mississauga.
This digital artwork is unlike any other. The Warden’s Office, together with Associate Director of Advancement Peter Wambera and his team, commissioned the piece to mark a major milestone in Hart House’s building renewal. In September 2024, Hart House will begin construction on the first phase of a comprehensive building renewal thereby ensuring another century of uninterrupted service to our community.
The team was looking for a piece of art that could capture the spirit of community, growth and resilience. And they found it. Maamawi agiiji-aki was unveiled at a special event on June 20, 2024, celebrating this important moment for Hart House.
“The impetus behind all this capital work is always ‘How can we make Hart House more welcoming to our students?’ As we considered how to mark the beginning of this major capital renewal, thinking about Hart House as a place for everyone, including our Indigenous students, felt like a natural fit,” says Peter.
Representing Mother Earth, the Land and Student Connections
An artist on the rise and gaining considerable attention, MJ uses painting to express themselves and their heritage. They have already received many accolades: In 2023, they won U of T’s Orange Shirt Day design contest. This day (September 30) is also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which recognizes the destructive legacy of the residential school system.
When creating the artwork for Hart House, reflecting on Mother Earth was important to the artist. “I wanted to include her presence in this image. Acknowledging that we are on her land and honouring the land, not disrespecting it, was important,” MJ says.
“One of the main components of Mother Earth is water, and I wanted to honour Taddle Creek, beneath St. George campus,” they explain, adding, “The physical location of Hart House is also a major part of student life. I believe the House provides a beautiful space for students to gather, study and enjoy each other's company. In my opinion, it's the students and their connections that make Hart House.”
Imagery Speaks to Indigenous Placemaking on Campus
MJ carefully and intentionally selected the plants depicted in the image and used as a framing device.
Referring to the Kahontake Kitikan Garden, the Indigenous traditional medicine garden on the east side of Hart House, they explain, “When I was creating this illustration, we talked about the garden. I wanted to include the sacred medicines from that garden – sage, tobacco and sweetgrass. I sought to incorporate them into my art because they are going to be temporarily displaced for the revitalization project. They will be replanted. I wanted to show that the University is acknowledging this. This is an example of U of T’s efforts in placemaking for Indigenous students on campus. I thought that was very important.”
To MJ, preserving narratives and teachings for the following generations was also central. “When I create art, I don't just do it for myself. I do it for my familial connections, connections to my home and my land,” they say. “I also take inspiration from the landscape from my reserve, Mackenzie, Saugeen, and Eagle Lake First Nation. I enjoy being on the lake. It's very peaceful.”
U of T Provides Opportunities to Build Community
MJ values U of T’s support and its community-building qualities. “I'm so grateful to the University. It has acknowledged that a lot of us have come from reserves or small towns. The University has gone above and beyond, giving us opportunities to build community. It has supported us all along the way,” they say, adding, “I’ve met a lot of other Indigenous people on campus who come from the same kind of background as me. The University really supports us.”
One recent highlight was First Nations House’s two-week cultural exchange to New Zealand in June. “A lot of us didn't have the funds, but the University acknowledged these economic barriers and supported the trip financially,” they explain.
“Making lifelong connections with other Indigenous people – the Māori – and seeing their culture firsthand with a Turtle-Island-Indigenous perspective was so cool. Sharing our cultures … keeping those experiences for the rest of my life is such a great thing. I want to thank the University. I am beyond grateful.”
Hart House Gives MJ Hope for the Future
MJ recently took a friend to Hart House. “It’s a really nice place to meet my friends, hang out and study. Being there in person and seeing the historic architecture … it was stunning. I could, literally, spend a whole day there, walking around, looking at the architecture and the art installations.”
Having their own illustration on the walls of the House means a lot. “I was honoured to undertake this artwork. And it’s wonderful that my work has had a positive reception.
I'm honoured that Hart House could include me in its revitalization project. I was so excited to have my illustration be a part of the House, especially since at an earlier point in time, U of T and all the other universities were comprised predominantly of white male students. There was a time when Indigenous people could not attain higher levels of education without disenfranchising. So, it gives me hope. I wish, for the future, we can continue to have more Indigenous voices present in these structures that were previously dominated by white men,” they say, emphasizing, “We belong on this land; we belong here.”
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