OXBOW — The board of the Ralph Allen Museum in Oxbow was considering ways to freshen up the building.
One of the ideas was to use a room to showcase regional Indigenous culture and artifacts.
While pondering these things, board member Trina Mohrbutter received a call from Emilee Steffensen, who grew up in Oxbow before moving away at the age of 10. She was interested in talking about bringing truth and reconciliation to Oxbow. Mohrbutter suggested that Steffensen, who is a Cree artist, paint a mural on one of the walls in the museum. Steffensen thought this was a great idea and suggested that it be a community mural.
On June 20, she drew an outline that captured the ethical values of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, an Anishinaabe guide for living – love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, wisdom and truth.
The following day, which was National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the public was invited to do their part. For five hours, people ranging from children to seniors – including 96-year-old Otto Neuman, Oxbow’s unofficial town historian – came to colour in the outline. The painters were free to colour as they wished, with a few helpful suggestions from Steffensen and others.
The idea of having the public participate in the completion of the mural was twofold – it helped to create awareness about Indigenous culture and it gave them a chance to be a part of history.
The mural is just the beginning of the display. In time, the room will be filled with items that will feature Indigenous culture.
Steffensen is well-known in the Oxbow area. She has held beading workshops and as recently as June 20, she appeared at the Oxbow Public Library to demonstrate and help others make medicine wheel-inspired beaded earrings. She also participates in multi-cultural days.
She is currently working with the Town of Carlyle, making Truth and Reconciliation banners. It is hoped that these will be hung from street lamps on Main Street by September.
Her artwork, events and business – Moonemis Cree-ations – create Indigenous awareness.
