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New Mural at Seaway Bridge Celebrates Mohawk Women and Cultural Resilience
Artwork unveiled in Akwesasne pays homage to generations of Indigenous women and their enduring legacy
AKWESASNE — June 20, 2025 — A powerful new mural celebrating Mohawk women now welcomes travellers at the Seaway International Bridge, following a heartfelt unveiling ceremony held in Akwesasne on June 19.
Painted by Kirby Thompson — an employee of the Seaway International Bridge Corporation (SIBC) and a proud member of the Akwesasne community — the artwork portrays three generations of Mohawk women, surrounded by traditional floral motifs and symbols of continuity. The mural stands as a striking tribute to Indigenous strength, wisdom, and identity.
“This mural is more than a work of art — it’s a powerful expression of identity, continuity, and connection,” said Marc Chénier, SIBC Bridge Director, during the event.
The ceremony brought together members of the public, community leaders, and dignitaries, including District Chief Vince Thompson of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and Natalie Kinloch, President of the SIBC Board and CEO of The Federal Bridge Corporation Ltd.
Positioned prominently at the bridge entrance, the mural serves not just as decoration, but as a permanent reminder of the cultural roots that shape the region and its people — especially as the bridge itself spans both a physical and symbolic link between nations.
SIBC expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to the project, with special acknowledgment to the Akwesasne Research Center, the Akwesasne Interpretive Museum, and the Akwesasne Rights & Research Office (ARRO). The cultural expertise of ARRO Manager Cheyenne Lazore and her team was instrumental in ensuring the mural respectfully reflected the heritage it aimed to honour.
As one of the few major infrastructure sites to feature Indigenous-led public art, the Seaway International Bridge now stands as a more inclusive and representative gateway — one that honours not just where we are, but who has always been here.
