Mural more than meets the eye

A giant mural has been turning quite a few heads in downtown Lloydminster.

The 3,082-sq-ft work of art, located on the north side of the Saskatchewan Health Authority building, has a profound meaning behind it.

“This mural is really so much more than each and every one of us. It’s more of us together as a collective than any one organization, and it will stand as a legacy for generations to come—of our community’s commitment to truth and reconciliation,” said Lloydminster Region Health Foundation (LRHF) CEO Stephanie Munro.

“For some, it will be a symbol of hope for the future, for others, it represents beautification and revitalization of our downtown. For community members and employees, it provides a welcoming and vibrant workplace. This mural is a starting point for some difficult conversations, but also conversations that will bring individuals together to learn, grow and heal together.”

Munro says the project couldn’t have been possible without support from the donors, sponsors, volunteers, and the LRHF board of directors.

“Through a very sup - portive board of directors, the Choose Love: Join Hands in Truth and Reconciliation mural project came to fruition,” said Munro.

“We’re obviously honoured to have played a vital role in the initiation and collaboration of this project. It’s been about two years of discussions, fundraising, learning, clarification—really to ensure all aspects were inclusive of the messaging that needed to be represented in the mural project.”

Although the massive artwork took years of planning, it only took two weeks for artist Brandi Hofer and her group of volunteers to complete.

“It was a long process ... I had reached out to Randi Noble, founder of Yellow Finch Images, who helped install the mural. The photography in the mural is hers, from Lloydminster’s first powwow,” said Hofer.

Noble suggested to Hofer that she accompany her to a Heart of Treaty 6 meeting, and Hofer said the project really took shape after that.

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