To commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Metropolitan United hosted a special service on Sunday. Indigenous artist, Elder and knowledge-keeper Philip Cote shared his reimagining of late Indigenous painter Norval Morrisseau’s famous six-panel painting from 1977, Man Changing into Thunderbird. This was a part of an ongoing collaboration between Norval Morrisseau’s estate and Metropolitan United, as the church has been hosting an exhibition of seven giclee reproductions of Morrisseau’s works.
For Metropolitan’s minister, Rev. Jason Meyers, this opportunity to display Morrisseau’s work and collaborate with Cote is a way to let Indigenous communities know that “despite the historic and monumental harms, the trauma and cultural genocide, the church is wanting to be partners and be part of the healing of that is broken among us.”
You may unsubscribe from any of our newsletters at any time.
Through having a “remarkable sacred space” in the church, “an opportunity came to us where we were put in relationship with the official estate of Norval Morrisseau, and came up with an idea about healing through sharing of sacred space and through artwork,” Meyers said.
Morrisseau, also referred to as “Copper Thunderbird,” is considered the grandfather of contemporary Indigenous art in Canada and has been heralded as “Picasso of the North.” He worked at a time of intense discrimination as he shattered stereotypes and prejudices about Indigenous peoples.
Continuing Morrisseau’s legacy through collaboration with Phillip Cote and displaying his reimagining of Man Changing into Thunderbird makes reconciliation an ongoing act rather than a static acknowledgment of the past. During the Sunday service, Cote reflected on the changes he made to Thunderbird to bring the work into our time, which he called the time of The Eighth Fire. The Eighth Fire is an Anishinaabe prophecy that states that all people must choose whether we go down the path of unity, healing and renewal, or the path of destruction and division. Morrisseau’s estate supported Cote’s reimagining of Man Changing into Thunderbird and encouraged his work. Cote stated that his panels were “never meant to be copies and were not made to replace Norval’s originals. They are conversations with it.” He explained that this reimagining closely aligns with the Indigenous oral tradition of storytelling and the creation of “living history.”
Below: Philip Cote reflects on his reimagining of Norval Morrisseau’s painting
In Man Changing into Thunderbird: Reimagined, Cote chose to depict the more hopeful path and made his Thunderbird more collective than Morrisseau’s. He shifted the balance of colours, brought in animal helpers and teacher-beings, and most notably, added a canoe.
The canoe stretches throughout the panels and carries spirits, animals, and teachings. It is eventually absorbed by the transforming man and is a symbol of the unity of all people, but also of responsibility. The canoe “teaches cooperation, patience and endurance,” says Cote. “In the canoe, no one can sit still and expect to reach the far shore. Everyone must paddle.” Meyers echoed that sentiment by saying that “we are meant to travel down this river together.”
Cote’s Man Changing into Thunderbird: Reimagined, was only available for viewing during the service, but the reproductions of Morrisseau’s paintings will remain at Metropolitan United until June 2026. The public can visit the exhibition from Monday to Friday from noon to 3 p.m. or during Sunday worship at 11 a.m.
***
Evgenia Shestunova is a former intern at Broadview.
Thanks for reading
Will you help support United Church reporting?
Broadview is the only media organization dedicated to telling the stories of The United Church of Canada — its big decisions, perspectives and the faithful people and communities at its core. But this essential work depends on you.Make a tax-deductible gift today — 100% of your donation goes directly to supporting United Church coverage.
With gratitude,
