The Grove Theatre is honoured to be collaborating with Mississauga Ojibway carver and painter R. Kris Nahrgang in the creation of three story poles to be installed at the amphitheatre. 

This spot will be a gathering place and the hope is that the poles will have people think of their neighbour and the wider world in another way: connected to one another, and to nature.

Nahrgang is hand-carving the poles from local white cedar trees and will include Indigenous carvings and universal symbols.

A Bear: Representing family and unity.

A Medicine Wheel: Painted in four colours - red, yellow, black and white - representing the four colours of people. “We are all here and all one people” says Nahrgang.

An Eagle/Eagle Feathers: “The eagle flies above us and stands between the real world and the creator and speaks to the creator and tells him how we are doing” explains Nahrgang. Eagle Feathers representing healing. “The world has come through a tumultuous time but is beginning to heal.”

Theatre Masks: A Western symbol, but carved in the Indigenous woodland style, and therefore representing both cultures.

Dragonfly/Butterfly: Represents metamorphism in life. A beautiful spot was generated from nothing. There is a need to make changes in the world that are necessary for harmonious existence. 

Your support is far more than just financial. It is an investment in a shared community vision of renewed connection, of artistic excellence, and of joyful gathering. Thank you!