A new Indigenous mural was unveiled in the Okanagan College’s Health Science Building on Friday, Nov. 24.
Printed by fifth-generation residential school survivor and Sylix member Sheldon Pierre Louis, the 10x21 foot mural is to bring awareness to the impacts of the residential school system.
“As artists, we have a responsibility to use our work as a voice for those who may not have one,” said Louis. “I use my art as a platform to educate and that was the intent of making this. Every morning when the students walk into this room, I want them to be aware of our history.”
A new Indigenous mural has been unveiled in @OkanaganCollege’s Health Science Building @KelownaCapNews @BlackPressMedia pic.twitter.com/LwNwZkvBdA
— Jordy Cunningham (@CunninghamJordy) November 24, 2023
The mural, titled suʔkncut’s prayers, is located in the college’s Health Science building, in front of the early childhood education room.
“Immediately, I knew that was significant and we would have to do something here to not only honour our children but to create awareness for those who are within the program and coming into our community spaces to work with our children,” said Louis. “It’s important to understand that our children are unlike any other children in Canada, our children carry intergenerational trauma from the residential school system.”
The nsyilxcen words “kʷu swiʔ nu̓ mtxʔ,” painted on the mural, which roughly translates to “we are beautiful.”
“This is a reminder to our children that they are beautiful, and it is a reminder to our residential school survivors that they are beautiful,” added Louis.
The centrepiece of the mural represents Louis’ son and the breaking of cycles while the orange flowers represent the 215 children from the Kamloops residential school who never made it home. The woman in the mural represents a motherly spirit and ancestor.
“The mural signifies Okanagan College’s lasting commitment to advancing truth and reconciliation at our campuses,” said Okanagan College director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Rhea Dupuis. “As a post-secondary institution, it’s important to remember that the impact of the Residential School system continues to this day, and this mural serves to remind us of that.”
Okanagan College president Neil Fassina also spoke at the mural unveiling.
“We want to able to try and create that space of welcoming and space of learning,” said Fassina. “Everyone that joined us today, I hope you’ve taken the words that have been spoken. I would encourage you to disgust them, I would encourage you to reflect on them, I would encourage you to think about what they mean to you.”
The mural was also possible because of financial support from community donors Kelly Rockvam, her daughter Sianna and the KiraGoodFund.
“Many of us look at September 30, as a date on the calendar but Sept. 30, can’t be a date on the calendar. Sept. 30, is a reminder, it’s something that needs to be reminded daily,” added Fassina.
READ MORE: Lake Country RV dealer named best in Canada
READ MORE: Economist offers bright outlook for 2024 during Kelowna visit