Mural in downtown Lethbridge

By Connor Gunn

Indigenous artwork unveiled in downtown Lethbridge

Sep 10, 2021 | 12:23 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – As part of Reconciliation efforts throughout the city of Lethbridge, new artwork by local indigenous artists have been installed in the downtown area.

The artwork, in front of 4 Avenue, reflects the theme of the 5th Annual Reconciliation Week: Voice and Representation.

Artists Natoyihkii (Cheyenne McGinnis) and Nato’yi’kina’soyi (Hali Heavy Shield) were the successful applicants who created the art.

The city put out a call for indigenous artists to create the work and McGinnis says she was honoured to showcase her artwork.

“I really hope that my artwork instills pride and confidence to the youth trying to learn Blackfoot.”

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“When applying to this opportunity I wanted to showcase the strength of women in our community and also showcase the language. With this brightly coloured piece, I hope it brings joy to the pedestrians of Lethbridge and helps them to learn a bit of the language.”

Installed on the windows of the TELUS building downtown, the public art project is on full display for residents and visitors alike.

Below is the artwork that Natoyihkii (McGinnis) created.

Downtown Artwork

“I want people to feel inspired and hopeful when they view my work,” says artist Nato’yi’kina’soyi (Heavy Shield).

“We’re living in wounded times, so it’s more important than ever to make Blackfoot language and culture visible in the city.”

Underneath the artwork on the front side of the TELUS building viewers can see a description of what exactly the art means to the artists and indigenous peoples alike.

For more information on Reconciliation Week in Lethbridge, head to Lethbridge.ca/indigenousrelations.