On your next visit to the Nature Playground, make sure to visit the recently unveiled murals in the Picnic Shelter. The art tells four parts of a bigger story—one of collaboration with the 2024 Indigenous Youth Storytelling Program students.

The program began in 2021 and is a collaborative effort between the Seven Oaks School Division's Mino Bimaadiziwin program (Anishinaabemowin, meaning "The Good Life") and the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. It was created to foster mentoring relationships, encourage cross-cultural connections, and connect with all living beings on Treaty 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

Over the summer, the students submitted ideas and small drawings of what they wanted included in the murals. Then, self-taught Kablunagajuk artist Kale Sheppard brought them together to create four unique pieces that represent the students, their stories, and their culture. The pieces were recently unveiled in a ceremony, with the students, Sheppard, and staff from Assiniboine Park Conservancy present.

The four murals created in collaboration with the 2024 Indigenous Youth Storytelling Program students and artist Kale Sheppard.

"Since it didn't work out to work with the students this year on their mural, I wanted to make sure that all of their voices were represented, either with their concepts or traced recreations of their original drawings," says Sheppard. "I'm happy with how it all came together."  

Each mural has a bright, colorful background that invites visitors to explore and discover the finer details Sheppard weaved in from the students' directions, such as growth, resilience, and unlocking potential—quite like the mission of the Indigenous Youth Storytelling Program itself.

Artist Kale Sheppard with one of the four pieces collaborated with the students of the 2024 Indigenous Youth Storytelling Program.

The blue mural shares perspectives of growth, resilience, and wisdom through a tree stump supporting the circle of life. The yellow mural provides representation of different Indigenous cultures, such as Inuit and Métis, and unites them to remind us that we all live on Turtle Island together. The green mural weaves in the seven sacred teachings through the animals that represent them, and the purple mural focuses on Mother Earth and signals hope, love, and caring for yourself and the planet.

Utilizing art to share perspectives helps us connect to one another and learn more about the world around us. Now, thanks to the creativity of the Indigenous Youth Storytelling Program students and Sheppard, who brought their ideas to life in a beautiful and inviting way, the Park continues to be a space to celebrate Indigenous art and help those who visit to discover something new.

To make a donation in support of the Indigenous Youth Storytelling Program, visit our website.