New mural at Lakehead to promote culture, higher learning

Lakehead University’s Aboriginal Initiatives and Aboriginal Cultural and Support Services have partnered with Thunder Bay artist Elliott Doxtater-Wynn to complete a mural at the university’s sweat lodge site.
The mural will be painted by Doxtater-Wynn with help from children and youth from the Thunder Bay community. Elders Freda McDonald and Gerry Martin will also provide guidance and direction for the painting, whose themes will focus on the importance of higher education, protecting the environment and healing.
“Having our Elders provide direction in the mural and our artist working on the painting with the children really will provide the diversity in what we will see in the mural painting,” Beverly Sabourin, vice provost office of Aboriginal Initiatives said in a press release.
“Elliott and Elders Gerry and Freda are inspiring young children to be engaged in cultural activities and also inspiring the children to pursue post secondary education,” Lisa Wabange, coordinator of Aboriginal Cultural and Support Services said.
Work on the mural began Aug. 16 and it will be completed by Sept. 17. An unveiling ceremony is scheduled for 1 pm on Sept. 17 at the sweat lodge site, located between CJ Sanders Field House soccer field and the Thunder Bay Country Club Ltd golf course.