Student-Created Mural Shines in the Meewasin Valley
Submitted by Saskatoon Public Schools
If you're walking under the Circle Drive Bridge on the trail east of the river in Saskatoon, 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, 2026 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.
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."
