Mary Harasewich Creates Painting for Truth and Reconciliation Day

Mary Harasewich Creates Painting for Truth and Reconciliation Day

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Local Artist, Mary Harasewich who is a resident of Vegreville, has been an artist since she was in Grade one.

“I enjoy painting because it is very relaxing and a good way to express oneself. But, I never sit and paint. I put the canvas on the kitchen table and stand and paint,” Mary admitted.

Vegreville painter Mary Harasewich with her painting.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

However, Mary has not done any painting for six years now as it was difficult for her to do because she has a chronic eye disorder, (macular degeneration).

It was National Day for Truth and Reconciliation that was held on September 30 that prompted Mary to try painting again. Her painting represents the beauty of the Indigenous culture and its people.

Mary explained, “The reason I did this painting was I had a dream that I was painting before this day and then I woke up in the morning on this day and thought, why don’t I buy some canvas and see if I can paint. So, I painted a picture for that day and did some other paintings.

I painted for this day because I wanted to honour the indigenous people as they were the first people in Canada. But I wonder why it took so long for the government to decide to make that day a holiday? So many children were abused at those residential schools.

I hope to have this painting framed and hung on the wall for my family to see.”