In July 2024, we placed tobacco deep in the foundations of the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument with the support of Elder Claudette Commanda from the Kitigan Zibi First Nation.
It was a moving afternoon. We walked onto the site after a fierce thunderstorm and found that, by surprise, we were 13 people in the circle. This number is important as it represents the 13 moon cycles in the Anishinabe calendar and the 13 sections on the turtle’s back. It also, of course, represents the 13 provinces and territories. The ceremony was emotional, beautiful and powerful. It was a very special moment on the journey to build the Thunderhead monument.
Thunderhead will sit on unceded and traditional Anishinabe Algonquin Nation territory. We’re deeply honoured to use this land.