Friday morning marked the official unveiling of the newest addition to Boissevain's outdoor art gallery. Earlier this summer the beautiful rendition of a bison was painted on the northern exterior wall of the Irvin Goodon Wildlife Museum by mural artist Jayde Goodon, who has roots to the Boissevain area and the Turtle Mountains.
The project was a collaborative effort between the Manitoba Métis Federation Cherry Creek and the Turtle Mountain Métis Locals and the Boissevain Arts Council.
The ceremony was in partnership with the Boissevain School's Orange Shirt Day Walk that brought the students to the new mural for the unveiling. As well, members of the RM of Boissevain-Morton and the Boissevain Arts Council participated in the ceremony. The staff and students' walk began at the Boissevain School at 10:30 am to join for the more formal ceremony commemorating Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Minister of Housing with the Manitoba Métis Federation, Will Goodon, MC'd the event. Elaine Scott shared both the Opening and Closing Prayers. Speakers included MMF Cherry Creek member Dennis Desjardins, Turtle Mountain Métis Chris LeForte, Arts Council Chair Lisa Heide, and municipal councillor Rob Adams.
"Today has been so special to have all the kids down and all the community members to be able to celebrate this mural and celebrate the Métis culture, specifically for the Every Child Matters walk," shared Lisa Heide. "I'm just so honored to be a part of this project and today's ceremony."
Heide shared more on the symbolism of the mural as artist, Jayde Goodon, reflected his own Métis heritage in the design.
"Jayde's main goal in designing this piece was to design something that was striking in its simplicity," stated Heide. "He chose the bison as his focal point after consulting with family members. The bison represents pride, strength and resilience. The cart and the beads represent the Métis People, and the beads specifically represent the berries and the plants that are local to the Turtle Mountains."
"This was an emotional piece for Jayde, and he was very grateful to be part of this project," added Heide.
"Today's ceremony has become a very big community, with all the students and the dignitaries and community coming together," she noted. "And that is important. That is what truth and reconciliation is about. It's about community celebrating each other."