"Healing Journey" Mural

Aborignal art is aboriginal culture. Very Spiritual and connected to the natural environment, aboriginal art projects and individual expression of art serve to strengthen the personal integrity not only of the participants, but of those who gaze upon the work. It emphasizes cultural heritage and is a strong medium for all People to understand an Aboriginal world view. This project took place at Ka-Na-Chi-Hih solvent abuse Treatment Center in Thunder Bay. Funded by the Ontario Art Councils Aboriginal Arts Projects, youth within the Center worked alongside Moses Beaver in the creation of a permanent mural to be hung on the outside of the Treament Center. This project engaged Youth on an intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical healing journey. The theme of the Mural is reflected in the Treatment Centers name and philosophy "To Hold One Sacred". The Goose (imbedded) represents flight as in the journey of life; the fancy shawl dancer the celebration of life and the butterfly(s) rebirth, much like the process of healing the Youth are on a journey towards. The sillouttes in the mural represent Youth themselves; it is a mural of hope and promise.