Park Art: The Four Directions
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Wascana Park

Four Directions

Park Art

 

THE FOUR DIRECTIONS

Historically, the bow and arrow were fundamental to the survival of
the Plains First People. This encounter for survival reflects our
young people's struggle to cope in an ever-changing technological
world where education is key.

For centuries Aboriginal people have used the four directions of the
medicine wheel reflecting the cycles in native philosophy,
as a tool for teaching and learning. The number four has sacred
meanings that reflect the four winds, four seasons, four peoples of
the world, four groups of living organisms, and the four elements.

The four directions symbolize wholeness in the four stages of life's
journey. The first quadrant in the east refers to the physical birth of
our being. The south symbolizes adolescence and the exploration of
new experiences. The west symbolizes adulthood and its challenges.
The north synbolizes life's final phase that manifests all wisdom
and spirituality.

The medicine wheel and four directions reflects the positive forces in
life relating to Mother Earth. A community working together in
balance with the earth's cycles will function in harmony. Traveling
the four directions will lead to a destination that both challenges
and rewards.

 

 

This sculpture was realized by the University of Regina and the First Nations University of Canada, in collaboration with the City of Regina with the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Cultural Capitals of Canada, a program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Additional support was provided by SaskCulture Centennial Project Fund, Saskatchewan Department of Culture, Youth and Recreation Community Initiative Fund, The University of Regina Alumni Association and Knowhere Productions Inc.

 



(Information from the information plaque)
(Unless otherwise indicated, photos by Don of www.WascanaPark.com)
(Click on a Photo to Enlarge)
September 2006 September 2005 September 2005 September 2005