Art Exhibit in the Conference Room

Correction vs. Punishment : The Search for Love and Understanding

by Tamara Leanne Cardinal

Artist Statement

Correction vs. Punishment is a life-sized sculpture of an eagle made from handmade paper. It is based on Indigenous teachings that say there are two sides to every eagle feather. One side reminds us that everyone makes mistakes. The other side reminds us that we can learn, take responsibility, and make things right. 

In many Indigenous teachings, solving problems is not about punishing people. It is about helping people understand what happened, fixing what was hurt, and bringing things back into balance. This way of thinking helps communities stay strong and caring. 

The eagle was part of an exhibition called Presence, which was about how people share spaces and how those spaces can feel welcoming or unwelcoming. In Canada, Indigenous peoples experienced injustices for a very long time, and many shared spaces did not feel safe or welcoming for them. This artwork helps us remember that history, and think about how we can and need to do better today. 

The eagle is made from paper, which is gentle and fragile. This reminds us that trust and relationships need care. When people listen to each other and work together, healing can happen.  

This artwork asks all of us, in families, communities, schools, and everyday life, to think about how we treat others when mistakes happen. It reminds us that making things right is something everyone can practice, every day. 

Artist Bio

Tamara Lee-Ann Cardinal is a mixed-media, large scale installation artist and community activist. Born in Treaty 6 Territory, her ancestral roots are Nêhiyaw (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) and of mixed European descent. She has been a visitor to Otôskwanihk (Calgary, AB) since 2009. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Alberta University of the Arts in 2015, Cardinal has been a recipient of the National BMO 1st Art! Award, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Young Artist Award, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award, and, more recently, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal. Cardinal has been an active member in the urban Indigenous community in Treaty 7 Territory, activating many social service positions throughout the years. Cardinal is a full-time student attending Mount Royal University's Psychology program, and has been a Public Art Project Lead through Calgary Arts Development since January 2024.

Come up to the Learning Commons Conference Room to see this exquisite artwork!