Foundry Art Piece – Medicine

Artist: Oscar Joseph and Indigenous Youth

Title: Medicine

Material: Cedar Plank and Acrylic Paint

2026

Medicine is a collaborative Indigenous art piece created by Katzie and Ahousaht First Nations artist Oscar Joseph alongside four Indigenous youth from the Child and Youth Connections Program. Developed over 10 weeks, the artwork reflects themes of culture, identity, healing, and belonging while celebrating the strength that comes from community and cultural connection.

Inspired by the teachings of the medicine wheel, the piece is divided into four sections representing the interconnected elements of earth, land, water, and sky. Each section incorporates meaningful Indigenous symbols chosen through a collaborative process between the artist and youth participants.

The moon symbolizes light and guidance during times of darkness, while the sun represents warmth, protection, and the life-giving energy that sustains all living things. Two eagles soar across the artwork, representing ancestors who continue to watch over and guide future generations. A turtle symbolizes all people living on Turtle Island, the Indigenous name for North America, and reflects resilience, wisdom, and our connection to the land. At the base of the piece, moss honours the Katzie First Nation and the local territory where the artwork was created, recognizing the importance of place, land, and traditional knowledge.

More than a work of art, Medicine represents a journey of shared learning, creativity, and cultural pride. Through weekly gatherings, the youth and artist worked side by side, bringing their ideas to life while strengthening connections to culture, community, and one another. The project created a space where Indigenous youth could express themselves, celebrate their identities, and contribute to a lasting legacy within the community.

Installed at Foundry Ridge Meadows, Medicine serves as a powerful symbol of Indigenous resilience, youth empowerment, and the healing power of art. It invites viewers to reflect on their own understanding of health and well-being while inspiring conversations about balance, connection, and the importance of honouring culture, ancestors, and the land. Through its imagery and stories, the artwork stands as a reminder that healing is rooted in community, identity, and the relationships that connect us all.

Oscar Joseph

Katzie and Ahousaht First Nation Artist

Artist info here