On the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition are two, sometimes conflicting stories: flags celebrating Canada’s 150 years and works of art commissioned by Indigenous people.

One of the pieces, slated to become a permanent installation on the vicinity, is a nine-metre high white cedar pole. Wrapped around it are a bevy of hand-carved animals and traditional items, representative of Mother Earth and family, among other things.

The CNE commissioned an Ontario First Nations artist named Kris Nahrgang to create the work, called “Unity Pole.” The Ex gave Nahrgang free rein to do what he wanted, he said — the result is the project which took him almost six months to make.

Chief executive officer Virginia Ludy said it was the first time in the more than three decades she’s been with the Ex that the work of Indigenous artists have been showcased, and she lauded Nahrgang’s work.

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