Artwork transforms downtown core

FROM PAGE 1

“It’s about building bridges … this is such delicate subject matter and I feel it’s so important to communicate it in the proper way, with proper protocol and the right people involved,” Hofer explained.

“So we worked on that for a long, long time. And the photography definitely spoke to the project– as soon as I saw it, I was like ‘this is it.’” When the project was approved by the Heart of Treaty 6 group, Hofer said it was lifechanging.

“When the project was blessed by the Heart of Treaty 6, and we had lots of story-sharing in the circle meeting–that’s when I knew my creativity had the power to make change. How can I help our community? How can I help the world? And that’s through my creative gift,” said Hofer.

She notes Tim Hortons looks after everything once the youth is approved.

The Tim Horton Children’s Ranch allows kids from all over Alberta to experience everything from horseback riding, fishing and overnight camping to archery and crafts while making new friends.

“They get skills and leadership and resilience and responsibilities and it helps them to believe more in their potential,” said Whitney.

“Honestly, it’s been the honour of my life. It was bigger and better than any one of us envisioned even. It’s not just paint on a wall. It’s so much more than that.”

Honestly, it’s been the honour of my life. It’s not just paint on a wall.

Some of the volunteers who worked on the mural were part of a youth mentorship program.

“We have an indigenous mentorship program with the project, so we had two artists– they were from Onion Lake and Lloyd, and they’re 15 and 16,” said Hofer. “I mentored them through what it

“A lot of times the kids go on to get degrees.”

Whitney has toured the camp herself and one in Ontario and declares them to be amazing facilities.

“I’ve known a few kids from the community that have gone. They’ve got nothing but good to say about it,” she said.

“Quite often if you go on our webpage, there are stories from other campers who have been there. It’s amazing how it impacts their lives.” was to make a mural, the idea is it empowers them enough to go and use their creativity. It was so empowering and cool to see them grow.”

Hofer said one of the things she misses the most about working on the mural is the people who would stop by to say hi and ask about the project. One person stood out to her in particular.

“Someone was coming down the street– the fair and the chuckwagons were on … and he was like banging things and yelling ..they’re inebriated,” she recalled.

“But he stopped dead in his tracks when he sees us working on the mural, he’s like ‘WOW, this is amazing! Great job!’ And then quietly continues on his way. It was just the perfect example of how artwork is transformative.”

Whitney says the camp is all about having the opportunity to sit around the campfire and have all those experiences you would have at camp and make new friends.

“The camp runs all year long, but the kids go in the summertime. Throughout the year they have different school groups that go. It’s a pretty amazing camp,” she said.

There are six Foundation Camps in Canada and one in the United States.