A sculpture entitled "Tribute to Dessalines" is on permanent display at the Hall of Nations of the City of Gatineau in Quebec.

Unveiled last November, in the presence of the Mayor of Gatineau, of the President of the Arts Commission, culture, literature and heritage and the Ambassador of Haiti, this work of art was donated to the City Gatineau by the Canadian Embassy in Haiti and the Haitian community. This bronze bust of Dessalines, was created by teh artists Dominique Dennery and Rosemary Breault Landry.

"I thank the Embassy of Haiti and the Haitian community for this gift that celebrates Haitian culture in the Hall of Nations. In unveiling the bust, we stress once again the great relationship that has been built over the years between our two communities. The Hall of Nations is really a reflection of several communities who live in Gatineau. It is exemplary for intercultural rapprochement," said Gatineau Mayor, Mr. Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin.

"Created by a Haitian-Canadian artist of the region, this work has been able to respond positively to the City's selection criteria when a gift is offered by the countries represented in Canada. Its aesthetic qualities, its ability to evoke the history of Haiti and its authenticity enable it its integration in the Hall of Nations. I invite you to discover the cultural and artistic riches of Haiti and various countries on the Hall of Nations," added the president of the Arts Commission, culture, literature and heritage, Mireille Apollon.

IH/ iciHaiti