Indigenous murals unveiled at St. Gregory the Great School

The second mural is located in the school’s Gathering Space. It features the sun, mountains, water, rocks, flowers, and animals in a circle. The circle is surrounded by student handprints, as a symbol that Every Child Matters. All of the students who took part identify as First Nations, Metis, or Inuit.

(supplied/Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools)

The mural’s artist, Delree Dumont, said that Indigenous people have a strong connection to the natural world.

“Our languages, cultural and oral traditions are all connected to Mother Earth. The natural world is our home, to which we respectfully honour her with gratitude. We believe everything is connected. The Sun, the Moon, Earth and that is why I painted this picture in a circle. The circle represents the cycle of life, the cycle of seasons, the four directions, the elements, the four sacred medicines. So we need to respect Mother Earth in all the gifts she gives us.”

The St. Gregory murals are the fifth and sixth Indigenous murals in Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, joining those located at École Camille J. Lerouge School, St. Francis of Assisi Middle School, St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School and St. Joseph High School.

Selena Frizzley is the Indigenous education team coordinator at RDCRS. “St. Gregory the Great welcomed Delree to create a mural to showcase the importance of the values surrounding the Seven Sacred Teachings. Delree went beyond that, creating opportunities for students, both Indigenous and their allies, to connect with her and work collaboratively on some aspects of the murals. The students watched and actively participated in the paintings coming to life to connect Indigenous culture and teachings.”

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Indigenous murals unveiled at St. Gregory the Great School

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