Watch a video of the unveiling ceremony.

On Thursday, October 27, Concordia University unveiled the sculpture The Emergence of the Chief, in homage to Haudenosaune (Iroquois) heritage and the Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) Nation in particular. The unveiling took place at noon on the Loyola Campus (7141 Sherbrooke St. West) in the presence of the artist, Dave McGary.

The twice life-size bronze by Arizona-based artist Dave McGary was commissioned and donated to Concordia by the CALP Foundation and Power Corporation and depicts the matriarchal society of the Kanienkehaka Nation. In the sculpture, the standing clan mother instructs the seated chief in the responsibilities of the office he has been given by the women of the Nation.

“Concordia takes pride in the diversity of its student body, which includes 140 students from the First Nations, among them 60 of the Kanienkehaka Nation,” said President Claude Lajeunesse. “The sculpture embodies this pride and also recognizes the position of respect and power women are accorded within the Nation, the rich symbols of tradition, equality, respect and community responsibility.”

The sculpture has also served as a catalyst for a scholarship program for Kanienkehaka students attending Concordia. McGary has created a series of busts, maquettes and masterworks of The Emergence of the Chief which will be sold in galleries across North America. Over the next two years, 6% of the proceeds from the sales, which will range from $3,500 to $21,500, will be donated to the fund.