Water Is Life Mural @CoxellUnderpass 

My latest project is a "Water Is Life " themed Underpass. This mural runs a block along Coxwell Ave (on both sides) and features Water Is Life in 42 different Languages . The words are scattered amongst images of Indigenous Stories , Flora, Fauna, and Matriarchal power, inviting the public to search the walls. The use of 42 languages invites all communities to join us as they search the phrases along the mural. As the design unfolds along the length of the concrete underpass, so do the images, flowing downhill towards the water creating a deeper community connection to Lake Ontario.

​

The mural is inspired by Josephine Mandamin’s Dream. Josephine Mandamin has inspired multitudes of people with her dream of the Water Walk; a journey to walk around each of the great lakes in ceremony and prayer. She accomplished her dream and brought awareness and knowledge of the plight of all our waters and the need to protect it for all our futures. She has been a great source of inspiration to us in our artwork. After having talked to her protégé and family members who were present when she announced her dream, we have been imparted with a few important elements essential to her message: praying for the water, singing to the water, carrying the water and listening to the water. We do all these things with the realization that it is not just done for us but for everyone and everything; the plants, animals, birds and insects. Water is Anishinaabe women's privilege to cherish and protect because none of us can survive without clean water. This is a vital step in strengthening our collective communities.

The visual elements of four Anishinaabe Women Praying to the water, singing to the water, carrying the water and listening to the water Impart this message. Images of animals, birds, insect, plants native to the area, and the phase WATER IS LIFE in 42 languages. The mural shows present-day indigenous women working to keep water clean for everybody. Thus increasing public awareness about modern Indigenous people in an atmosphere of equality, respect which invites others to join us.