March 18, 2026 — As the City continues efforts to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), a new welcome mural was unveiled today in the lobby of City Hall.
The mural was created by Haudenosaunee artist Kennady Osborne and highlights the unique relationship between Sarnia/Lambton and The Council of Three Fires Confederacy.
“I hope this piece opens a conversation about the beauty of First Nations people; the people in our community,” said Osborne, adding, “it is an honour to create this piece and share from my perspective the beauty in the people of The Council of Three Fires.”
The mural is part of the UNDRIP Working Group’s Council-approved efforts to advance the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within the City of Sarnia – creating a welcoming, inclusive space at City Hall.
As part of the process the UNDRIP working group sought feedback on the design from members of the local First Nations communities, including Elders, Special Advisors and Chiefs.
The mural is located on the south wall of the City Hall lobby. As part of the project the photos of past Sarnia mayors were also updated into a revitalized display, also located in the lobby. In addition to a revitalized printed display of the mayoral photos, the City has installed an interactive kiosk, allowing visitors to browse the photos and learn more about the City’s history.
About the mural:
The mural was created by Haudenosaunee artist Kennady Osborne, Seventh Rayn Design Co., who studied Indigenous Visual Culture at OCAD University. Her design highlights the unique relationship between Sarnia/Lambton and The Council of Three Fires Confederacy; the Ojibway, Odawa, and Potawatomi people.
The mural features three Elders, symbolizing each of the three fires, and each nation’s responsibility in the Council of the Three Fires:
- Ojibwe Nation – Keepers of the faith/medicine responsible for spiritual leadership, maintaining sacred scrolls and protection traditional teachings represented on the right of the mural
- Potawatomi Nation – Keepers of the fire responsible for maintaining the council of three fires and serving as protectors of the alliance represented in the centre of the mural
- Odawa Nation – Keepers of trade responsible for food, goods, commerce and managing regional trade networks represented on the left of the mural
The centre Elder is female, representing women’s roles as respected life givers, knowledge keepers and the foundation of families.
The mural features numerous symbols, including the sacred medicines of tobacco, cedar, sweet grass, and sage; fire as the sacred bridge between the physical and spiritual world; the beaver pelt symbolizing trade; the bear as medicine healers and traditional guardians; and eagle feathers as one of the highest honours and a sacred gift. Other symbolism includes the canoe and ship referring to the history and future of trade; and a communication line connecting the two images, featuring the four colours of the medicine wheel: white, red, yellow and black.