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Wellington Heights SS explores indigenous ways of knowing through mural project

December 6, 2016

MOUNT FOREST, Ontario – A beautiful work of art is taking shape at Wellington Heights Secondary School.

On Monday, the school welcomed Toronto-based artists Chief Lady Bird (Nancy King) and Aura (Monique Bedard) to lead students in a collaborative mural project.

Chief Lady Bird is a First Nations (Potawatomi and Chippewa) artist from Rama First Nation. Through art, she examines the complexities of identity, by advocating for “Indigenous representation as an integral aspect of Canada’s national identity” and by examining her Anishinaabe identity.

Aura is visual artist, currently residing in Toronto. She is a Haudenosaunee (Oneida Nation of the Thames), and says she is inspired by storytelling and the healing journey, both individually and as a community.

The mural project began with Elder Shirley John from Saugeen First Nation, the traditional territory of the area, who welcomed everyone and offered blessings for a good project.

Students had expressed a desire to learn more about indigenous ways of knowing, and in particular more about current issues like the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The artists spoke to WHSS students about what they envisioned for the mural, and also engaged the youth in serious conversations about lateral love vs lateral violence, understanding privilege and what it means to walk in your truth.

The students were then asked to sketch their ideas, without being worried about artistic merit, just providing a collection of key images to drive the mural. Students prepped the surface while Chief Lady Bird and Aura pulled together everyone’s ideas into a collaborative sketch.

Wellington Heights SS mural project 1

Over the next few days, they will paint together and create a large scale mural for display at the school.

Last year students at Centre Dufferin DHS and John F. Ross CVI also took part in mural projects, where guest artists and storytellers worked with students to create art and explore indigenous ways of knowing.

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For more information:
Heather Loney, Communications and Community Engagement Officer
Upper Grand District School Board
519-822-4420 ext.725
[email protected]

Categories: News