The new mural adding colour to a Winnipeg tunnel
A splash of colour now lines the walls of a pedestrian tunnel in Winnipeg.
Take Pride Winnipeg officially unveiled a two-sided mural in the Fermor Tunnel on Thursday. The tunnel, which connects the St. Vital YMCA and the St. Vital Library, was modernized in 2020.
A portion of the mural at the Fermor Street pedestrian tunnel. (CTV News Photo Scott Andersson)
(CTV News Photo Scott Andersson)
Artist and knowledge keeper Jeannie Whitebird and Manitoba artist Mandy van Leeuwen led the work. In addition, several students from Glenlawn Collegiate were involved in the creation of the art, which measures 120 feet.
“We’re in a time, where we all need that extra love and support, in whatever way that we can get it, in an unconditional loving way,” Whitebird said.
The mural features large drawings of plants that are used as medicines by Indigenous healers, along with animals including the hummingbird, the dragonfly, and the painted turtle.
A portion of the mural at the Fermor Street pedestrian tunnel. (CTV News Photo Scott Andersson)
(CTV News Photo Scott Andersson)
Whitebird, from Rolling River First Nation, said Indigenous representation was essential for the mural.
“In order for these beautiful projects to happen, when the topic is Indigenous topics or Indigenous themes, there has to be a First Nations person at the table,” said Whitebird.
The mural was originally going to be painted last year, van Leeuwen said, but the work was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health orders.
“It gave us the time to reflect on how we could make it better for the year to come,” she said.
Last fall, modernization work on the tunnel was completed at a cost of $300,000, funded by the City of Winnipeg.
A portion of the mural at the Fermor Street pedestrian tunnel. (CTV News Photo Scott Andersson)
(CTV News Photo Scott Andersson)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.