Indigenous Art in Schools & Educational Spaces
Indigenous art can create opportunities for learning, reflection and cultural understanding when it becomes part of the places where people study, train and gather.
Through its projects with schools, colleges and other educational institutions, Friends United has helped bring Indigenous artwork into learning environments across Nova Scotia and beyond. These works allow students, educators, staff and visitors to encounter Indigenous artistic perspectives as part of their everyday surroundings.
The projects range from artwork displayed in school foyers and college campuses to pieces placed in libraries, gathering spaces and specialized educational institutions. Each setting creates its own opportunity for Indigenous art, culture and stories to become part of a shared learning environment.
SAERC High School
The artwork displayed at SAERC High School in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada, includes works by Loretta Gould, Jay Bell Redbird, Gordon Fiddler and Shianne Gould, bringing Indigenous art directly into a space used every day by local and international students, educators, staff and visitors.
The placement in the school’s main entrance gives the artwork a visible role within the learning environment. Rather than being limited to a special event or temporary exhibition, the works become part of the everyday surroundings of the school and create opportunities for students and visitors to encounter Indigenous artistic perspectives.
The SAERC project is part of Friends United’s wider efforts to bring Indigenous artwork into schools and other educational spaces, using art to encourage cultural understanding, recognition and respectful dialogue.
Indigenous Art at the Gerald Schwartz School of Business, StFX
A substantial collection of Indigenous artwork from Friends United is displayed at the Gerald Schwartz School of Business at St. Francis Xavier University. The works include art by Darren Julien, Jay Bell Redbird, Loretta Gould and Shianne Gould, alongside works by Halina Stopyra. The display brings Indigenous artistic perspectives and broader artistic connections into a space used by students, faculty and visitors.
Integrated into the architecture of the building, the display allows Indigenous art to become part of the everyday educational environment and creates opportunities for learning, reflection and cultural awareness beyond the classroom.
NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus
Indigenous artwork from Friends United is prominently displayed at the NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus, where it forms part of the everyday environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
The collection includes works by Darren Julien, Loretta Gould, Shianne Gould, Gordon Fiddler and Jasyn Lucas. Displayed throughout the open atrium and shared campus spaces, the artwork brings Indigenous perspectives into a contemporary learning environment and makes them visible to both local and international students.
By integrating Indigenous art directly into the architecture of the campus, the display creates opportunities for learning, reflection and cultural awareness beyond the classroom.
Indigenous Art at the Canadian Coast Guard College
Indigenous artwork from Friends United is displayed at the Canadian Coast Guard College in Sydney, Nova Scotia, including works placed in the college library and Indigenous Gathering Space.
The collection includes works by Gordon Fiddler, Darren Julien, Loretta Gould and Shianne Gould, bringing Indigenous artistic perspectives into spaces used for study, reflection, conversation and community.
By integrating Indigenous art into both the library and a dedicated gathering space, the project creates opportunities for students, staff and visitors to engage with Indigenous culture and artistic expression as part of everyday life at the college.
Indigenous Art at the Canadian Forces College
Friends United donated “Humbled by our Teachings” by Mi’kmaq artist Loretta Gould to the Canadian Forces College in 2025, where the artwork is now proudly displayed.
The work was presented to CFC Commandant Cmdre Michael Barefoot on behalf of National Security Program Class 18. The National Security Program includes dedicated modules within its strategic-level curriculum that address Indigenous culture and perspectives, giving the placement of the artwork a particularly meaningful connection to the college’s educational mandate.
During the presentation, images of the Friends United International Convention Centre were also shown to the audience, placing Loretta Gould’s artwork within the broader context of Friends United and its work with Indigenous artists and communities.
The project reflects Friends United’s wider efforts to bring Indigenous art and cultural perspectives into educational, leadership and professional learning environments, creating opportunities for reflection, dialogue and greater cultural understanding.
Indigenous Art at NSCC Strait Area Campus
Indigenous artwork from Friends United is displayed throughout the NSCC Strait Area Campus, where it forms part of the everyday learning environment for students, staff and visitors.
The collection brings Indigenous artistic perspectives into shared educational and gathering spaces and has become part of the visual identity of the campus. The setting also provides opportunities for Indigenous artists and speakers to engage directly with students and community members.
Eric Schweig has spoken at the campus in a space surrounded by Friends United artwork, creating a direct connection between Indigenous art, personal experience and education.
The presence of the artwork reflects a broader collaboration between Friends United and NSCC, explored further in the conversation with Carla Arsenault and Vivek Saxena.
