Conservation Halton Opens New Spirit of the Lake Exhibit at Crawford Lake Conservation Area
MILTON, ON – Conservation Halton is proud to announce the opening of Spirit of the Lake—a new exhibit at the Deer Clan Longhouse Gallery at Crawford Lake Conservation Area. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the stories of Crawford Lake through the work of four Indigenous artists and an immersive holographic experience.
The exhibit highlights the park’s rare meromictic lake, whose waters and sediments quietly hold centuries of life, memory, and change. From an Indigenous perspective, the lake is alive—a storyteller whose spirit has carried, and continues to carry, the stories of the land and the people who have lived alongside it. Discover the connections between land, water, culture, and community at Crawford Lake Conservation Area, open weekends and holidays from February 1 to June 28, 2026. The exhibit is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and In The Spirit Giving Foundation.
“Spirit of the Lake offers uniquely Canadian experiences through its thoughtful combination of Indigenous storytelling, contemporary art, and engaging learning experiences,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “The Government of Canada is proud to support this project and help preserve the cultural heritage of the Crawford Lake Conservation Area for locals and visitors, while showcasing the natural beauty that southern Ontario has to offer.”
“Spirit of the Lake brings together art, story, and place, offering visitors a meaningful opportunity to experience the lake as a living storyteller through the perspectives of four Indigenous artists,” said Leeanne Doxtator, Indigenous Education Coordinator, Conservation Halton. “The exhibition reminds us that the lake is not just a site of scientific significance, but a living being with memory, spirit, and meaning.”
Four Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island share works inspired by the lake, honouring its spirit while reflecting the land, water, and enduring relationships between people and place:
- Life On Crawford Lake by Shayde Sandy
- She Reveals Her Knowledge and Sings for Healing by Kelly Greene
- Awatǫ́:mętsǫ́:gyaʔ (She, the Land Made) by Catherine Tammaro
- Echoes Beneath the Surface by Mariah Alexander
“Crawford Lake Conservation Area is a place where natural heritage and cultural history are deeply interconnected,” said Craig Machan, Director of Parks & Operations, Conservation Halton. “The Spirit of the Lake exhibit enriches the visitor experience by creating space for reflection, learning, and connection, helping people better understand the significance of this landscape and Conservation Halton’s responsibility to protect it for future generations.”
Collectively, the artworks deepen public understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems, stewardship, and the interconnectedness of natural and human communities.
The exhibit will also include a new interactive holographic experience where guests can learn from Elders, scientists, and park staff about the unique features and scientific importance of Crawford Lake and its impact on the community from a variety of perspectives.
Park visitors are invited to drop by the Deer Clan Longhouse on their visit to Crawford Lake between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from February 1, 2026 to June 28, 2026 to experience this inspiring and educational art installation.
For more information about the artists and exhibit, visit https://www.conservationhalton.ca/event/spirit-of-the-lake/2026-02-01/
