+art installation
Waabigwan
An Anishinaabe Light Sculpture Walk
A Celebration of anishinaabe culture, plants, and indigenous technology
About the Installation
Waabigwan—meaning "flower" in Anishinaabemowin, the endangered language of the Anishinaabe—is an interactive light sculptural series that illuminates the significance of plants in Anishinaabe culture. Ozaagakiig or plants, are beings who create themselves out of minerals, water, and light.
The installation was created entirely by youth and consists of two towering 8-foot acrylic and wood pillars, each adorned with custom LED woodland floral designs that glow from within. Designed to be motion and sound-reactive, these sculptures shift in hue as visitors move around them, creating an immersive, ever-changing experience. Waabigwan was conceptualized by Anishinaabe youth artist and robotics designer Danielle Boyer (Enrolled Sault Tribe). Inspired by her mother's traditional beadwork, quillwork, and paintings, Danielle's work pays homage to flowers that she grew up with and Anishinaabe woodland floral art.
The installation debuted in 2024 at Electric Forest Festival as a Plug-In Grant Winner by Insomniac Events, was featured at Shambhala Music Festival through Canada’s Indigenous Arts Grant program, and showcased on the MIT campus as part of MIT Solve.
for the next seven generations
The build Process
Meet the Lead Artists
Danielle Boyer (Anishinaabe - Enrolled Sault Tribe)
Kaleb "Gaanii" Langdon (Anishinaabe - Leech Lake Band)
The STEAM Connection (Anishinaabe-run charity)
Founded at age 18 by Boyer, The STEAM Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth with advanced digital literacy skills rooted in Indigenous ways. Our mission is to democratize technical education through robotics, engineering, and storytelling, impacting over 1 million young minds. All installations are designed and built by students through award-winning educational programs, ensuring Indigenous youth are at the forefront of technological innovation and cultural preservation.
Partners and Collaborators
Built at Fuse33 Calgary with the support of Shannon Hoover and Maria Elena Villagomez.
Collaborated with Lucid Skies, LLC, a youth-led Salvadoran design firm, where they contributed an art piece of theirs to our Waabigwan art walk for Electric Forest and Shambhala.
Bring Waabigwan to You
Interested in showcasing Waabigwan at your event, museum, or educational space? Looking for a custom installation? We can collaborate to create a meaningful experience. Email us at media@steamconnection.org.
Bring waabigwan to you
technical overview
Design and Structure
The installation consists of two non-tapered square acrylic pillars, each standing 8 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. Designed for both indoor and outdoor settings, the structures are prefabricated by the artist and arrive ready for on-site assembly or customization.
Installation Requirements
A designated space must accommodate both pillars with enough room for visitors to freely move around them. Additionally, a small 8.5" x 11" educational sign—provided by our team—should be placed near the installation. The sign contains information about Waabigwan and does not feature branding unless specifically requested. Depending on site accessibility, installation takes approximately two days before activation and requires two team members for setup. The pillars can also be shipped via a custom crate and installed by the host venue’s team, with virtual training provided. Proper safety measures and experience with power tools are required, and an artist loan agreement is necessary.
Power and Operation
Each pillar requires one standard power outlet with two three-pronged plugs. While extension cords can be used, the outlet must remain dedicated to the installation to ensure optimal performance. Waabigwan is designed to function independently, requiring no additional staff during an event. However, occasional monitoring is recommended to ensure seamless operation.
Safety Considerations
Safety is a top priority. The pillars are designed to be safe to touch, with all electrical components adhering to proper protocols. The host venue should take necessary precautions to prevent tripping hazards or other environmental risks associated with the installation’s placement. While Waabigwan is insured along with our team members, the hosting venue assumes liability for visitor safety in their space.