Bringing Indigenous Representation to Life: A Collaborative Mural Project
This year, St. Kateri Tekakwitha School and St. Matthew High School embarked on a mission to bring Indigenous representation to life through a stunning mural. Partnering with Indigenous artist Aurora Jaded, the schools set out to create a meaningful piece to decorate their walls and tell a powerful story.
The Inspiration Behind the Mural
The journey of this mural began when the St. Kateri Tekakwitha community expressed their desire for a mural featuring Indigenous art. Initially, the focus was on depicting St. Kateri Tekakwitha herself. However, after consultation with elders and the Indigenous community, the project's scope was expanded to one celebrating Indigenous womanhood.
Learning Indigenous Lessons Through the Creative Process
The creation of the mural was a collaborative effort. Aurora Jaded designed the mural, consulting with Elders and Indigenous community members to capture their stories and values. St. Matthew art students from grades 7-12 brought it to life. Inspired by the natural world and our connection, the mural depicts a strong mother figure at its center, embodying nurturing qualities and familial bonds. As the mural progresses, she transforms into an elder at the road's end, welcomed by ancestral figures into the spirit world.
This beautiful piece is filled with symbolism that the students learned about throughout the project. The red road, traced by evolving footprints, represents life's journey, while the woman in a red dress pays homage to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Indigenous lessons were intricately woven into the initiative throughout this project. The St. Matthew students learned more about St. Kateri Tekakwitha, reconciliation, and how to be a good ally. St. Matthew alumnus Cody Coyote spoke to the students about his experiences of healing and growth as a member of the First Nations community. Aurora Jaded's guidance was instrumental in ensuring the St. Matthew staff and students better understood Indigenous culture, history, and the significance behind the mural they were creating.
Welcoming the Mural: A Blessing Ceremony
After months of dedication and hard work, the mural was finally ready to be unveiled at St. Kateri Tekakwitha. The unveiling was marked by a Blessing Ceremony led by Grandmother Irene, who welcomed the mural with open arms. It is now proudly displayed on the walls of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, serving as a symbol of unity, strength, and inclusivity within the school community.
An Empowering Message
One of the mural's most powerful aspects is the message it conveys. In the sky above, words proclaim, "You are strong, you are beautiful, you belong. You are not alone." These words serve as a reminder to every student that they are valued, supported, and cherished.
A Testament to Collaboration and Inclusivity
The Indigenous mural initiative at St. Kateri Tekakwitha School stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity. It is a beautiful representation of our commitment to honouring Indigenous culture and providing an enriching educational experience for all our students. As we strive for diversity and unity within our school community, let us celebrate initiatives that inspire us to learn, grow, and come together.
