Niimaamaa, The Forks

Abstract

Niimaamaais located on the South Point path, which is located along the most southern point of The Forks in downtown Winnipeg. In 2018, South Point was renamed by Elders, Clarence and Barbara Nepinak, who were offered asemaa (tobacco) to uncover the name for the path, now also known as Niizhoziibean or ‘the place we come together’. Here, directly on the path, Niimaamaa stands as a colossal thirty-foot tall sculpture made of polished painted steel, copper, and core ten metal. Niimaamaa actively participates as a symbol of decolonization in space and place. Her site-specific location (re)minds, (re)tells, and (re)maps The Forks for visitors who seek to learn about the past or see themselves in the future.