A new mural at the Marguerite Riel Centre in Melfort commemorates Truth and Reconciliation. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Mural unveiled

Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration Mural unveiled at Marguerite Riel Centre

Oct 4, 2024 | 3:21 PM

The Marguerite Riel Centre (MRC) in Melfort has unveiled a new Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration mural.

The six paintings are located on the east side of the building on Burrows Ave. W.

Director of Operations Joanne Yakowec told northeastNOW they have been toying with the idea of a mural for some time, and were able to make it happen with help from the federal government’s Celebration and Commemoration grant.

“We originally planned a full wall mural, and then we decided there (are) so many amazing artists in our community and surrounding communities that we would go with the smaller murals so we could tell more stories,” Yakowec explained.

The MRC is hoping to expand the murals into a second phase, and any interested artists can contact them. Yakowec said it’s important for the artists to be able to tell their story.

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“Their stories tell things from their point of view,” said Yakowec. “It’s really important for us to create awareness about the legacy of residential schools, awareness for the lost children, and awareness of intergenerational impacts and what it holds for our future.”

Continuing that awareness for future generations is also vital, according to Yakowec, and she said it’s nice that people can interpret the art in their own way, and perhaps see legacies of their past in the murals. They can also represent a starting point in learning more about residential schools and the lost children.

Part of the grant was designed to go toward the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30. Yakowec said it’s also important to carry the commission’s recommendations forward to create more awareness in the community.

The event also featured the artists speaking about their individual works, and the drum group Digging Bear from James Smith Cree Nation.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK