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The eagle (kitpu) is very sacred to First Nations people.
Kitpu is a symbol of love, the first of the 7 sacred teachings. The unconditional love that is given in the beginning of life to a child and the unconditional love of the creator (God).
In the painting the eagle wraps its wings around the transitioning person to keep everyone safe within the process.
Death is a journey of letting go the physical form and safely transition to an opening into the spirit world.
In the moment of transitioning into the spirit world the ancestors come to help and offer support. They are in the painting in the form of a bear claw.
Text By Lorne A. Julien
Acrylic painting on gallery stretched canvas 16” x 20”
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Lorne Alexander Julien was born and raised in Millbrook First Nation Community near Truro, Nova Scotia. His given Mi’kmaw name “Warrior on the Hill” was earned in his youth when he learned about the spiritual ways of his people. A self taught artist, who has been following his passion since childhood.
Mr Lorne was commissioned to create an artwork for this project. We are very grateful for his contribution
Towards healthier relationships with aging and dying
This podcast weaves together conversations with mainly Indigenous but also non-indigenous elders and people reflecting on the topics of aging and dying. We reached out to them in an inquiry for guidance in these times of unprecedented challenges.
This website was created to share the diverse collection of thoughts of this podcast as an invitation to move ourselves towards healthier relationships with aging and dying… towards eldership. The Resources section contains references to work connected to this project and literature that alimented us if you are curious to dig deeper.