The Art Work

The Monument to Canadian Aid Workers was unveiled by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson at an emotional ceremony held on June 28, 2001 in Ottawa's Rideau Falls Park.

Canada now has a permanent monument to recognize those who work in the field of international development and humanitarian assistance, and especially to acknowledge those who have died doing so.

The monument design, titled Reflection, was chosen in a Canada-wide competition and created by Nova Scotia sculptor John Greer.

Greer´s design is composed of three elements installed on an intimately sized court. Two benches installed on either side of the court will appear to be a single bed reflecting on its twin. The second element, the altar/bridge spans the court and represents the loss and the gain – the journey of international aid work. The final element, two large bronze feathers represent the human component of the work both the individual and the remembered sacrifice of all aid workers.

Friends and family members, from as far away as Newfoundland and Calgary, placed feathers under the arch to remember lost loved ones and those doing aid work overseas.

Unveiling the monument, Mme Clarkson told onlookers: "The Canadian aid workers that we honour were all leaders blessed with deep personal conviction...yearning to help others. Above all, they [were] devoted to human interests, concerned with the human condition."