Indigenous art on campus has something to say

The largest classroom at UM is yours to explore. From tunnels and hallways to gathering spaces, Indigenous artists bring colour and meaning to the everyday spaces students, staff, faculty and visitors move through.

The newest mural appears in Pembina Hall student residence, freehand painted by Ojibway artist and UM alum Jackie Traverse [BFA/09].

Set in a high-traffic hallway where hundreds of students pass through daily, it’s a bold and beautiful sight for those who’ve come from around the world, calling student residence their home away from home.

Titled “The Courage to Walk Your Own Path,” Traverse’s piece draws on one of the Seven Sacred Teachings, courage, echoing the bravery of every student carving their journey far from home.

After five hours of free-hand painting, the once-blank wall now radiates energy to all who pass by.

Telling stories through symbolism and intricate details

This piece does not stand alone. If you’ve wandered through the Fort Garry or Bannatyne campuses, you’ve likely seen other bold and impressive artworks brightening shared spaces.

These murals tell stories through symbolism and intricate details, shaped by each artist’s community, lived experiences and unique artistic style.

They reflect Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing—offering familiarity and connection, and inviting reflection and curiosity.

Truth and Reconciliation and Engineering

Just outside the Dean’s Office in the Price Faculty of Engineering, a 9 x 40 ft mural by local Métis artist, Mike Valcourt, sparks dialogue through art.

The mural honours the understanding that Indigenous Peoples were the first engineers, illustrating how innovation has always been tied to Indigenous knowledge systems and deep relationships with land.

The artist notes, “We are aware that some industries have had a greater impact on Indigenous communities than others, and the engineering department acknowledges its role in this.

“By reminding the academic community of the resilience and voices of Indigenous peoples, this work promotes dialogue and introspection. It’s a nod to the past, and a promise to the future,” he adds.

Indigenous health principles

The mural by Kristin Flattery is a visual re-telling of an Indigenous creation story passed down in Ininew (Cree), Anishinaabe (Ojibway) and Oyate (Dakota) cultures through oral traditions.

The Anishinaabe-Oyate artist depicts a holistic understanding of health in her mural—one that includes spirituality, relationships and the environment—aspects often overlooked in Western approaches to wellness.

Flattery says, “We wanted to create something that inspired a movement in healthy living for everybody, so not only was I trying to promote healthy living and insert our traditional knowledge....”

“I want (the community) to be motivated toward teamwork and helping each other,” she adds.

Connections, community and collaborative spirit

Outdoors, the UMCycle building is decorated with vibrant artwork by Ojibwe artist and a member of Skownan First Nation, Dee Barsy [BFA/08] and Métis artist, Kenneth Lavallee [BFA/08], created in collaboration with Elders and community leaders from Migizii Agamik.

The piece reflects themes of movement and connections to land and water, using bold colours and incorporating the medicine wheel.

Both artists emphasized the importance of community involvement and hope the mural inspires more collaborative projects on campus.

Brightening campus and sharing stories

As more students, staff, faculty and visitors encounter these murals and designs, the campus grows into a place where art teaches, reclaims and connects.

They carry meaning that goes beyond aesthetics, inviting everyone on campus to engage with Indigenous art and worldviews in ways that are accessible, lasting and contribute to a sense of belonging.