Behind The Light - The Story That Guides Us

A our project continues to grow, we wanted to take a moment to share the story that sits behind the light of When We Come Together, the concept that grounds our design, guides our creative choices, and gives meaning to everything we build.

Our project is inspired by the Thirteen Grandmother Moons, a Haudenosaunee teaching that follows the thirteen lunar cycles within a year. Each moon carries its own lesson, reminding us to live in balance with ourselves, our communities, and the natural world. From these teachings, we chose to focus on four specific moons: Spirit Moon (Winter), Sugar Moon (Spring), Strawberry Moon (Summer), and Falling Leaves Moon (Fall). Each moon represents a stage in a continuous journey of self-reflection, renewal, connection and gratitude.

Through our installation, we aim to translate these teachings into an immersive and reflective experience that encourages visitors to slow down and consider their own relationships with the land, others, and the cycles that shape our lives. The light within our project is more than illumination, it symbolizes understanding, reconciliation, and togetherness. Every design choice, from visual elements to interactive components, reflects this intention.

This concept also mirrors how our team works together: each of us brings our own strengths, ideas, and creativity, and when we come together, those individual lights form something brighter and more meaningful.

As we continue to refine our installation, we respectfully acknowledge that this project draws inspiration from Haudenosaunee teachings about the Thirteen Grandmother Moons, shared with our class by educator and knowledge keeper Patsy Day. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from her stories and to carry these lessons forward with care and respect.