(Photo: RDCRS)

By Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

reminding students of important link

Falcon mural brings Indigenous outlook to St. Joseph High School community

Apr 20, 2021 | 9:40 PM

A newly completed mural brings Indigenous spirit to St. Joseph High School in Red Deer.

The mural showcases a falcon sitting on rocks, a family of baby birds in a nest and another falcon flying as a way not only to represent the school, but also to move forward and put reconciliation into action.

Delree Dumont, a well-known artist in Nakusp, BC who has experience in acrylic painting, smudge fans and medicine bags, was commissioned for the work.

“Our athletic mascot is the Falcon, which is a symbol in Indigenous spirituality. Stories and legends are part of the oral history of the Indigenous people. We are honoured to have this aspect of Indigenous beliefs and values incorporated into this mural. This mural ties our school mascot to Indigenous culture and teachings. The mural will remind our students and staff of this important link,” said Principal Graeme Daniel at St. Joseph High School.

“We wanted to incorporate the prairie falcon in our building, as that is the symbol of our school and symbolizes wisdom, protection, and victory. When I reached out to our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Team team, they immediately had Delree in mind. As soon as we met, we knew she was perfect for this. Delree is an extremely talented artist and a blessing to have in our school. It was truly inspiring watching her bring this vision come to life over the past week,” said teacher Taylor Bargholz.

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Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools also has Indigenous murals in École Camille J. Lerouge School, St. Francis of Assisi Middle School and St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School.

“As a school division, we feel that it is essential to honour Indigenous ways of knowing by welcoming Indigenous community members into our schools. We are honoured to welcome Delree Dumont into St. Joseph High School and see it as an opportunity for students to connect to Indigenous culture and teachings. Students have watched Delree’s work and the painting come to life to reflect the school’s design and the artist’s vision,” said First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Team Coordinator, Selena Frizzley at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.