A new three-wheeled exhibit rolled into Waterloo Region on Thursday, showcasing local landmarks and honouring Indigenous culture. The tricycle, with artwork attached to it, was a collaboration between the Region of Waterloo and a team of designers led by Waterloo artist Stephanie Scott and Icicle Tricycles, based in Victoria, British Columbia. The mobile museum featured an interactive exhibit, aimed at teaching people about the Indigenous farming technique known as the Three Sisters. People were encouraged to take seeds and learn about the benefits of planting corn, squash and beans together. “There are also some animals like deer, eagles and the wampum belt, woven through the design,” Scott explained. “It is alternating dark blue and white bands and they kind of move with the hill shapes and scenery along the sides of the bike.” The project was funded by the FRIENDS of Region of Waterloo Museums, a public foundation aimed at sharing and preserving the region’s history. “A lot of people don’t always visit the museum, so I think bringing the museum to them is really exciting, making it accessible to the public,” said Lynette Zehr of FRIENDS of Waterloo Region Museums. The project was unveiled Thursday morning at the Schneider Haus National Historic Site and will be moved between the three museums around Waterloo Region. “It will go throughout the region to different festivals this summer,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “It will help highlight our stories and our traditions and that includes First Nations.”
