The On-line Art Exhibit grew from the Pen Pal Project. The children created ‘stamp art’ reflecting the growing relationship between communities. The stamps are made available to circulate this story of relationship between the people of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and their neighbours in Haldimand, Norfolk and surrounding areas.

In my stamp I wanted to pursue the fact that there is no enemy line between Six Nations and Caledonia. We are all branches of the same tree. I am Native and I am proud there is no need to fight. Brent 12.

My drawing represents love and peace. Grace 8.

I have drawn this stamp to make people understand that if Six Nations kids and Haldimand County kids can get together and be friends than so can they.

Jordon age 11 — I have drawn this stamp to make people understand that if Six Nations kids and Haldimand County kids can get together and be friends than so can they. Jordon age 11

This is a drawing of some pen pals doing a group hug.

A. age 7 — This is a drawing of some pen pals doing a group hug. A. age 7

The loving butterfly makes sure there is peace and harmony throughout the lands.

Ben age 8 — The loving butterfly makes sure there is peace and harmony throughout the lands. Ben age 8

Slowly friendship can grow.

L. age 11 — Slowly friendship can grow. L. age 11

It is saying that both Nations should unite.

Brooke age 11 — It is saying that both Nations should unite. Brooke age 11

My drawing is very tangled up much like friendship; friendship gets glued, tied, cut and smeared. But true friends make it through it all!

G. age 11 — My drawing is very tangled up much like friendship; friendship gets glued, tied, cut and smeared. But true friends make it through it all! G. age 11

It is a drawing about how friendship is like a world of nature, with a kick of fun!

K. age 11 — It is a drawing about how friendship is like a world of nature, with a kick of fun! K. age 11

I drew the white pine hugging the Earth.

L. age 6 — I drew the white pine hugging the Earth. L. age 6

This is me and my pen pal planting trees.

B. age 6 — This is me and my pen pal planting trees. B. age 6

First I am planting a tree with my pen pal. Then we are in line washing our hands. Then we are eating pizza. Then I am holding hands with my pen pal and we are making a big picture of the earth.

A. age 6 — First I am planting a tree with my pen pal. Then we are in line washing our hands. Then we are eating pizza. Then I am holding hands with my pen pal and we are making a big picture of the earth. A. age 6

The stamp art was created as part of the 2011 Pen Pal Project. The 2011 Gathering was held at Tim Horton Onondaga Farms hosted by Tim Horton Children's foundation. 1200 youth gathered along with parents and volunteers to celebrate their relationship and explore activities together. Highlights included:

The planting of the Friendship Forest- 600 white pine saplings dedicated to the relationship building between all neighbours.
The creation of a plaque to mark the forest in two languages.
The sky art image of the Eastern White Pine (Tree of Peace) hugging the Earth.
Following the event the youth created sample postage stamps for future Pen Pal Programs.

For information visit www.penpalproject.ca