**** HIAA Media Release
Local Mi’kmaw Artist Loretta Gould Unveils New Permanent Display at Halifax Stanfiel
Beautiful images depicting Mi’kmaq culture and traditions created
by local Mi’kmaw artist, Loretta Gould, are now on display for all to enjoy at Halifax Stanfield.
Earlier this month, in recognition of Mi’kmaq History Month, a new, permanent display featuring twenty-four of Gould’s original artwork designs was installed at the airport.
The artwork, located on windows throughout the airport check-in hall, features images of a traditional birchbark canoe, fishing, and spiritual ceremonies, to name a few.
The display reminds everyone that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded land of the Mi’kmaq people, by showcasing traditional Mi’kmaq art.
“I’ve always had art in my life; when I grew up, I wanted to be a fashion designer,” said Gould, reflecting on how she became an artist. “I started with quilting but then I was
drawn to painting instead at the Friends United Art Gallery. That was 12 years ago and the pieces you see at the airport were all created over time. My hope is that people
coming in and out of the airport have the same feeling seeing my work that I had when I created it – I hope it makes them happy.”
The semi-transparent material used to display the artwork allows the sun to shine through, and in the afternoon, the artwork creates colourful reflections throughout the
check-in hall. Gould’s natural talent and passion for sharing Mi’kmaw culture through her art also
shines through as she reflects on today’s unveiling of her art for the world.
“Seeing my art come to life in this way brings me a lot of joy.”
“This airport is located on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Mi’kmaq people, and as such, it is our duty to honour the stewards of these lands who were here for
generations before us,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. “As a key gateway for the region, our airport often makes a first impression for visitors and travellers. We want to make sure that impression reflects the diverse communities we serve.”
HIAA is committed to reconciliation and has been taking steps to be a better ally to Indigenous communities and partners. HIAA will continue to showcase Mi’kmaq art,
history, and culture at the airport, through ongoing collaboration with the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, Mi’kmaw community members and other partners.
About Loretta Gould Loretta Gould is a Mi’kmaw quilter and painter who loves bright, beautiful colours. A self-taught artist, she grew up in Waycobah First Nation, in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She started making a living through her art quilts, and in 2013, she decided to try her hand at painting and has been painting ever since. For her, art is a way to express her spiritual feelings on canvas. Her dream is to share her art with the world. For more information about Loretta Gould and her art, visit her
website.
About Halifax Stanfield
Halifax Stanfield is Atlantic Canada’s principal full-service airport providing passengers and
cargo clients with direct access to markets across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean Basin, Europe, and Asia. Halifax Stanfield offers Canada Customs services on a 24-hour, seven days a week basis, and is the only airport in Atlantic Canada with U.S. preclearance
and International to Domestic processing facilities. The Airport is a major economic generator,
contributing $3.8 billion annually to the provincial economy pre-pandemic. In 2021, Halifax
Stanfield served 1.1 million passengers and processed nearly 35,000 metric tonnes of cargo. A
recognized innovator in the global airport industry, Halifax Stanfield was the first airport in North
America to offer a self-service baggage drop system for all passengers and is consistently
ranked among the best airports in the world.
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Printed and installed by
Sojourn Signs, 130 Thorne Ave, Dartmouth NS.
