A new mural reminds us of our past and takes us into the future

Students from École secondaire Hanmer Inclusion and Diversity Club created murals following the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation held at Bell Park last September.

Under the guidance of their teacher Natalie Frappier, students had the opportunity to learn more about the Aboriginal art style known as “Woodland Art” with a presentation by artist William Morin. Students worked closely with Wabanaki visual artist Jessica Somers to create the mural.

Jessica Somers was born in Sudbury and currently resides in Lavigne, Ontario. She is Abenakis and Metis decent. She is greatly influenced by her grandmother who enjoyed creating scenic and wildlife paintings. Her father’s passion for carpentry and his hard work ethics and determination are what attributed to her success as an artist today. Jessica loves creating paintings that represent knowledge of the natural world we learn and share through generations. Jessica is captivated by the teachings of elders in her community and her Nation. She creates art that connect to these teachings. This honours her ancestors while also ensuring the knowledge is passed on. Jessica uses her artwork as self-reflection, a way of seeking peace, sharing knowledge, teaching moral lessons, and/or telling stories. Jessica believes that art has been survivance, a way of holding on to stories and history, embodying a way of life, and expressing and sharing Indigenous identities.

In all, the group painted 128 square feet (32′ x 4′). The project benefited from a large number of volunteers, with 75% of students in grades 7 to 12 taking part. More than 150 students and teachers helped paint the two murals, which will be officially unveiled on June 1st at 1 p.m. to launch June as National Indigenous History Month in Canada. Media are invited to join the event at École secondaire Hanmer.

In addition, students in the cooking class with teacher Gabrielle Lemieux will be preparing the “Three Sisters” soup and bannock for the unveiling. What a magnificent achievement!

Recognized for its keen sense of innovation and openness to the world, Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord offers a French-language public education of the highest quality in fifteen elementary schools and eight secondary schools in the communities of Markstay, Noëlville, Sudbury, Blind River, Elliot Lake, Sault-Sainte-Marie, Wawa, Dubreuilville, Marathon, Manitouwadge, Longlac and Thunder Bay.

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Carole Dubé
Director of communications
705 929-3117