An Algonquin Wayfinding Wheel installed in front of the Heritage Building at Ottawa City Hall was unveiled recently by Mayor Jim Watson and the Algonquin artist who designed it, Simon Brascoupé, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg.

Inspired by the traditional four sacred directions, the Wayfinding Wheel reflects Algonquin culture and the history of the Algonquin territory. Wayfinding Wheels will also be installed at all O-Train stations along with plaques that describe the significance of the depicted animals and symbols to the Algonquin peoples. The first wheel was installed at Pimisi Station in June.

“The installation of Wayfinding Wheels is respectful of traditional Algonquin territory, history and culture and provides general direction and orientation for travellers while subtly exposing them to meaningful Algonquin symbols,” said Watson.

The Wayfinding Wheel was designed through a participatory process involving Algonquin Elders and community members from Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, as well as representatives from the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO), which is comprised of 10 Algonquin communities in Ontario.

An Algonquin Wayfinding Wheel has been installed in front of the Heritage Building at Ottawa City Hall. Photo courtesy City of Ottawa.

The design includes representations of all four compass directions and an orienting arrow that points north, along with important Algonquin symbols such as the canoe for transportation and animals that are important to the Algonquin peoples, including the moose in the centre of the design symbolizing food and strength.

“The design of the Wayfinding Wheel is an interpretation of what I heard and learned,” said Brascoupé. “The design is to help travellers’ wayfinding in their journey on the land. The wheels are attached to boulders called Grandfathers that honour Algonquin history in the territory since the beginning of time.”

The development and production of the Algonquin Wayfinding Wheels was funded through the Government of Canada Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) to help accelerate municipal investments to support the rehabilitation of transit systems, new capital projects, and planning and studies for future transit expansion.