Wetaskiwin hospital mural reminder of proud Indigenous past

Created by Maskwacîs artist Mistikonapew (miss-stick-ōh-nah-pay-yô), also known as Byron Samson, the two newly installed wall-wrap murals celebrate the rich heritage of the Maskwacîs Cree Nations, while showcasing the diverse and inspiring lives of their people today, stories that are often less familiar to the broader public.

For the self-taught artist, seeing his work displayed at such a large scale within a healthcare setting, each measuring 23 by 7 ft., is a deeply emotional experience.

“When I heard it was going to be in here, I thought, ‘that's fantastic’. People are going to see this [and our community is] going to be remembered,” Mistikonapew says.

He adds he’s still awestruck by how well it turned out.

“This is the first time for me to have any of my art blown up to this size, so it’s actually kind of a shock to me to see how well it's done,” he continues, explaining he was concerned the colour and definition would be lost in the scanning and digital translation. “But this looks exactly like I drew it.”

Imbued with deep symbolism, the murals bring together historic Chiefs of the four Nations of Maskwacîs, including the artist’s and Cree continuing care resident’s ancestors with inspirational members of the Maskwacîs community, past and present.

The homage to family was truly heartfelt. Mistikonapew was first inspired to draw by a cousin in grade three. Later another family member, the late singer-songwriter Shane Yellowbird, who is also featured in the art piece, encouraged him to develop his passion for photo-realism.

“I like to say this is all his fault, because it was such a great motivator to finally have somebody say, ‘hey, you need to get better’ rather than, ‘oh, that's amazing’.”

When the Chrysalis Quality of Life Project created an opportunity to enhance quality of life in Assisted Living Alberta continuing care facilities across central Alberta, recreation therapy team lead Garrett Gengler recognized an opportunity to incorporate artwork that reflected Maskwacîs Cree residents’ heritage.

Having been introduced to Mistikonapew through a Cree resident at his site, Gengler and the artist began collaborating. Together, the pair refined their concept, blending yesterday and ‘now’ to inspire and inform.

It was a message that deeply resonated with Mistikonapew.

“I love that idea of this is where we're coming from, and this is possibly where we can go,” he adds. “We're kind of unlimited on what we can do now.”

Nicole Belcourt, Indigenous Cultural Helper for Treaty 6 territory, says including positive representations of Indigenous Peoples within the facility, such as the mural, are so important.

“It gives that visual sense of acknowledgment and recognition, and I think when you acknowledge and you recognize, it's like breaking that barrier of being misunderstood,” she says.

Belcourt adds that including familiar faces from the community, and people residents may know or have known, helps strengthen that connection to the facility for Indigenous residents, particularly Cree residents from Maskwacîs.

Mistikonapew says he feels both happy and honoured to have been chosen for the project and hopes other Indigenous artists will have similar opportunities to see their culture reflected in healthcare settings in the future.

“Like anything else, art is meant to inspire people, bring them joy, happiness, maybe a reminder of where they came from, and where they're going,” he adds. “I think it will be really inspirational for healing and also just a reminder of where we all come from.”

June is National Indigenous Peoples Month. During this time, we celebrate Assisted Living Alberta’s continued commitment to providing culturally safe care for all those we serve.