The new mural decorates the pedestrian path under Circle Drive Bridge.If you're walking under the Circle Drive Bridge on the trail east of the river, you can't miss the vibrant new mural that brightens the area.

Grade 8 students in the Creative Action program at North Park Wilson have been putting brush to concrete, creating a new mural named Kiikinaahk Ooma - This is Our Home. The mural portrays the people, plants, and animals of the surrounding area through a Michif lens, with a Giving Tree pictured in the centre.

The school community gathered with local leaders on June 23 to celebrate the unveiling of the mural, honouring the work of all involved. The event was a celebration of the community collaboration which brought this creative vision to life. 

An image of a giving tree stands in the centre of the work.

Local artist Josh Jacobson worked with students through the design process and painting of the mural. As the design came together, he ensured that each student's ideas were incorporated into the final work. 

SPS Michif Knowledge Keeper, Auntie Faye Maurice, worked with the class to tell the story of the Michif people in the mural. She discussed Michif language, which is considered at risk, and her personal heritage. She described a strong sense of pride in seeing the students put the stories she shared into a visual expression that viewers can learn from.

Creative Action teachers Sheryl Salen and Amy Timm lead the class throughout the planning and execution of the artwork, ensuring that students were able to complete the mural in addition to their regular school schedule.

The care and effort that each Creative Action student contributed shows in the final work. They worked through all kinds of weather to complete the artwork, taking moments to share the story with neighbours walking by.

Funding and supplies were provided by community partners: the Saskatchewan Arts Board, Sherwin Williams and Affinity Credit Union.

Public response to the mural has been overwhelmingly positive. As one community member commented, "We walk past the mural every single morning and we appreciate and feel joy every time we see it."

Artist Josh Jacobsen incorporated student's ideas into the final design.

Auntie Faye Maurice shared Michif knowledge with the class.