Morning Star

 Coming out of the temporary exhibit brings us to one level up from the Grand Hall. Looking up, I took in this view of Morning Star.

This massive mural is by the Dene artist Alex Janvier, full of Indigenous symbolism. It covers one dome high over the hall, and is my favourite work of art in the national capital region. Down below, seats are placed for the visitor to gaze up at the painting.

Here we have Spirit Of Haida Gwaii, the plaster version of the sculpture by Haida artist Bill Reid. Two other versions, in bronze, reside at the Canadian embassy in Washington, and at the airport in Vancouver.

The Grand Hall is filled with totem poles and the facades of Pacific Coast houses. It is a wonderful place to spend time in the Museum of History.

Just outside in the reflecting pool sits this sculpture by Mary Anne Barkhouse. Titled 'namaxsala (To Travel In A Boat Together), it is drawn from a story told by her grandfather of providing a wolf safe passage across treacherous waters.

I spent time among the totems. While I didn't want to attend the permanent galleries on this visit, no trip to this museum is complete without a stop in here.