Through the generosity of MNBC’s Nakaatchihtow Arts and Culture granting program, Métis artist Jesse Campbell and Métis Project Coordinator Mia Yule are pleased to present the âniskômohcikewina mural project.
With an intention of supporting reclamation and recognition of Métis cultural identity, and knowledge sharing through mentorship, this project installed culturally based murals at 3 schools within School District 61. Métis Community knowledge keepers (Bruce and Leo Dumont, Fern Perkins, Sherry Williams, Victoria Pruden, Bertha and Joe Landrie) shared their time with groups of students, talking about our history and culture. These sessions immersed students in a rich representation of Métis culture through stories, images, and exploration of Métis items like Red River carts, buffalo hides, beadwork, sashes and more. These sessions informed the designs for the school murals finalized and installed by Jesse Campbell.
Ultimately, this project is about creating art that represents Métis students and supports their sense of belonging, calling our people home. This art visibility weaves together pieces of our community, showing young people a reminder of their belonging.
This work was kindly supported by a working group of MNGV community (Caitlin Bird and Barb Hulme) and SD61 Indigenous Education Department (Shelley Niemi and Cheryl Claiborne).