UFCW 1006A has commissioned a public mural, titled ‘Land of the Original People,’ for our union office.
The mural was unveiled on June 10, 2026 and honours our Indigenous communities and the land on which our building stands. The artwork, which is 85 feet long by 5 feet tall, is displayed on the local union’s building in Woodbridge.
The mural was created by Indigenous artist, Philip Cote, from the Moose Deer Point First Nation. He is a Spiritual Elder, Indigenous Artist, Activist, Educator, Historian and Ancestral Knowledge Keeper.
“This mural is a powerful testament to our union’s commitment to stand in solidarity with Indigenous, Metis, Inuit people across Turtle Island and work towards truth and reconciliation,” said President Wayne Hanley. “This powerful and inspiring artwork honours Indigenous history, culture and traditions – our union is proud to showcase and share this incredible work of art with our members and the larger public.”
The work was commissioned in partnership with the Moccasin Identifier project, a First Nation-led initiative dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of Indigenous Treaties and history across Canada.
Cote’s mural depicts the history, symbolism, culture, stories and teachings from Indigenous communities.
Shane Morse, who is a member of UFCW Canada’s Indigenous Committee and the local union’s committee, was thrilled about the creation of the mural.
“I am thankful for our union for understanding truth and reconciliation and unveiling this Indigenous mural,” said Morse, a member of the local union’s Executive Board who works at No Frills. “It is a representation of our Indigenous arts and culture. As a people, we are tied into the past, present and future. Together, as union members, we can share the rich history of Canada’s Indigenous people.”
Watch Cote’s in-depth discussion of the mural
The mural provides thought-provoking and inspiring depictions of Indigenous culture and wisdom, including the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
“The Seven Grandfather Teachings are words to live by: love, respect, honesty, humility, bravery, wisdom, and truth,” Cote said. “Understanding the seven grandfathers’ means thinking about: ‘How do we live those words and what can we do to make those words more meaningful?”
Within the mural, Cote explores the concepts of community and unity.
“We are here to help one another, we are not here to help ourselves --- that is what a healthy community does – all of our members assist one another.”
The mural also explores the importance of sharing the knowledge of the ancestors through the intentional practice of cultural rituals.
“We are highly spiritual people, we know that is the right way to live, when we live in a spiritual way, we are more connected to our ancestors and the land,” he said. “When we don’t live that way, we get lost.”
UFCW 1006A invites the public to view the mural on the south exterior wall of our office, located at 70 Creditview Road, Woodbridge, Ontario.
