Painting the Past: How Philip Cote’s Murals Preserve Indigenous Narratives

Philip Cote with mural © Courtesy of Philip Cote

Painting the Past: How Philip Cote’s Murals Preserve Indigenous Narratives

RAYE MOCIOIU

Acclaimed Indigenous artist Philip Cote has dedicated his career to challenging colonial narratives and preserving Indigenous culture through his art.

From monumental murals to thought-provoking sculptures, Cote uses artistry to combine storytelling and Indigenous spirituality in ways that challenge colonial narratives. Its goal is to correct historical misrepresentations and reconnect communities with the land’s original stories.

ROOTED IN HERITAGE

Naturally, Cote’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with his Indigenous roots. A graduate of OCAD University's Interdisciplinary Art Media and Design Masters program in 2015, he also studied BeauxArts Style painting under Carmen Cereceda Bianchi and collaborated with renowned artists such as Young Jarus, Kwest, and Nick Sweetman. But Cote says his greatest inspiration has always been his heritage.

His murals—such as the 1,000 sq. ft. “Kiinwin Dabaadjmowin” for the Mississauga’s of the New Credit First Nation and the 80 ft. “Niinwin Dabaadjmowin” at Fort York—are filled with powerful Indigenous symbols, giving viewers an insight into the deep connection between land, people, and tradition—the values that have sustained these cultures for generations. Through his art, Cote reframes North American history from an Indigenous perspective, shedding light on narratives often left untold.

TRANSFORMING PUBLIC SPACES WITH PURPOSE

Graffiti and mural art have long played a vital role in building the story of a community. These forms of public art are powerful tools for self-expression, giving voice to marginalized groups and bringing attention to social issues such as inequality, injustice, and cultural identity.

“When I create a site-specific mural, I try to connect with the history of the land,” Cote shared. His research into the sites of his works is crucial to reflecting the community's unique stories, struggles, and aspirations, fostering a deeper sense of connection among residents.

In 2023, Cote unveiled a new mural at Upper Canada College (UCC). This vibrant piece, rich with symbolism and cultural meaning, captures the story of the original man and woman, reconnecting the present to the Indigenous past of the land. At the unveiling, Cote explained that the mural’s black background represents the void before creation, while the animals depicted—including the bear, eagle, wolf, and beaver—symbolize Indigenous clans and their corresponding values of love, respect, humility, and wisdom.

ART AS A TOOL FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Cote’s work is not only about beautifying spaces—it’s about shifting perspectives. His murals challenge stereotypes and colonial biases while creating opportunities for public dialogue.

"I'm doing what our ancestors did," said Cote. "Our ancestors painted on rocks all across North America, and they put them in common places for the average person to see and marvel at and ask the question, 'What is this?'

He describes his work as an invitation to be curious, and his installations at schools within the Toronto District School Board are natural opportunities to bridge the gap between history and modern education, allowing students to learn from and connect with the land’s Indigenous heritage. By bringing Indigenous stories into schools and public institutions, Cote helps communities confront their past and engage meaningfully with the ongoing process of reconciliation.

As Cote continues to create large-scale murals for major institutions like Suncor Energy and Scotia Bank, his influence grows. His art isn’t just admired—it’s felt. By reclaiming public spaces and using them as canvases for Indigenous stories, Cote is helping to reshape the cultural landscape of Toronto and beyond.