Behchokǫ̀, September 22, 2024 - To commemorate the centennial of the signing of Treaty 11, the Tłı̨chǫ Government recently unveiled the specially commissioned bronze statue of Chief Zephirin Mǫwhì (Monfwi) and the construction of ceremonial fire circles in each of the four Tłı̨chǫ communities of Behchokǫ̀, Whatì, Gamètì, and Wekweètì.
On Friday, August 21, 2024, the bronze statue of Chief Mǫwhì was officially unveiled. The statue of Mǫwhì is a symbol that represents the strength and the interconnectedness of Tłı̨chǫ people and Tłı̨chǫ land. On the day of the unveiling, the leaders spoke of how the statue connects the stories of the past to hope for the future for their children and grandchildren. The day was filled with remembrance and celebration.
The Tłı̨chǫ region’s first-ever bronze monument is now installed next to the ceremonial fire circle and the newly built Cultural Centre in Behchokǫ̀ on the shores of Marian Lake. Chief Mǫwhì is wearing the treaty coat and medal, along with traditional pointed-toe moccasins. The floral designs on the statue moccasins are based on the sewing of his great-granddaughter, Mary Rose Simpson of Behchokǫ̀.
In his left hand, Chief Mǫwhì holds a drum that represents Gonàowo, the Tłı̨chǫ way of life, and his right hand gestures to the land he sought to protect, Mǫwhì Gogha Dè Nı̨ı̨tłèè. A bronze plaque on the pedestal tells the story of Mǫwhì’s life, and a second plaque illustrates the map of the land the Chief outlined for his people.
The statues journey began long before it was unveiled. It was the result of a project that began 5 years before. Tłı̨chǫ artist Darrell Chocolate was commissioned to design and help guide the sculpted version of the statue created by Don and Shirley Begg of Studio West in Cochrane, Alberta. After many discussions, drawings, miniature sculpted faces of Mǫwhì, and video tutorials to illustrate the required changes, the sculpture grew to resemble the respected leader.
The statue was approved and cast in bronze, then shipped from Cochrane to Behchokǫ̀ in August 2021, with a plan to unveil the statue at the 100th Anniversary Cultural Festival. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was postponed. Wildfires and the evacuation of Behchokǫ̀ in 2023 further delayed the construction and opening of the Cultural Centre and the grounds where the statue would be installed. The delay made the celebration on the unveiling day even more powerful and sacred. This statue of Chief Mǫwhì will be respected and admired by citizens and visitors for years to come.
The bronze statue and fire circle monuments are powerful visual reminders of the legacy of Chief Mǫwhì’s actions and of the words he spoke at the time of signing the treaty,
“As long as the sun rises, the river flows, and the land does not move, we will not be restricted from our way of life.”
Background details:
The bronze statue provides interesting insight into an old and highly specialized art form.
The stages of the project included:
- Research and drawings based on historical photos and image concepts
- Construction of an armature base for the pose
- Creation of a clay model
- Creation of rubber molds
- Bronze casting and final touches
This project was funded by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and the Canadian Heritage Legacy Fund. The project was coordinated by the Department of Culture and Lands Protection, and managed by Tłı̨chǫ Construction.
For more information, contact:
Kelley Ryder
Manager, Communications
Tłı̨chǫ Government
Phone: 867-444-9963
[email protected]
