College unveils First Nations, Métis, and Inuit mural

Jan. 26, 2012 – On Monday, Lethbridge College will unveil a mural depicting the rich heritage of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) culture.

“Our goal was to have a far-reaching and long-lasting influence on students, the surrounding Aboriginal communities and the general public,” says Robin Little Bear, Sooyikayaaki, Lethbridge College FNMI manager. “I truly believe that the beauty and the presence this mural will bring to our campus will achieve that goal.” 

Little Bear goes on to say the mural gives people a sense of welcoming, belonging and pride in the history and the future of education for Aboriginal communities.

Delia Cross Child, an art teacher at Kainai High School on the Blood Reserve, received the commission to create the mural. After attending Lethbridge College for general studies, her instructors inspired her to continue her education. Cross Child went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Lethbridge with a double major of Art and Native American Studies, and later, a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Her passion as a painter stems from the influences of her formal education and most importantly from her traditional ways of knowing from her people’s culture. Cross Child’s work has been showcased at the Glenbow Museum, Walter Phillips Gallery, and the Southern Alberta Art Gallery.

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) awarded the college a Post Secondary Institutes Project grant of $10,600 in July last year to create this mural.

Lethbridge College recognizes the importance of intertwining tradition with educational and career goals for its First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.  Providing access to personal, cultural, and academic counselling from experienced and dedicated FNMI professionals is priority for Lethbridge College.

The unveiling will take place in Centre Core at 2:30 p.m. Monday.