Fredericton, N.B., celebrates Indigenous culture with new mural – Sign Media Canada

July 8, 2024

A new mural has been unveiled in the heart of Fredericton, N.B.’s downtown core, on the side of the public library facing Officers’ Square. Created by Wolastoqiyik artist Emma Hassencahl-Perley, the mural is inspired by the Indigenous song “All My People.” This is Hassencahl-Perley’s second major work to be prominently featured in the city centre, according to CTV News.

“It was really exciting,” says Hassencahl-Perley on seeing her latest piece unveiled. “I have to say, I wasn’t really anticipating the crowd or anything. I don’t really know what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised.” The crowd of about 100 people included friends, family, community members, and her grandparents.

Commissioned by the Indigenous-led organization Beyond Behavioural Intervention a year-and-a-half ago, the mural represents love radiating from the centre out. Elder Imelda Opolahsomuwehs expressed the significance of Indigenous artwork by Indigenous artists being displayed on their traditional territory. “For the city to say, ‘hey, we need some Wolastoqiyik content, we need some stories, and the mural especially,’ you know, you can’t help but get emotional,” Opolahsomuwehs told CTV News.

Read More: https://www.signmedia.ca/fredericton-n-b-celebrates-indigenous-culture-with-new-mural/