A critical part of Okanagan culture is being celebrated.
The N’kmaplqs mural has been unveiled at the Okanagan Indian Band’s health building and it highlights the four food chiefs — the black bear, bitter root, salmon and the Saskatoon berries.
“They are part of stories about life lessons,” said artist Sheldon Louis.
“They sacrificed themselves to be food when our people came to be on this land.”
As part of the mural project, Louis led four youth artists — Tessa Louis, Raymond Alexis, Faith Yow, and Emma-Jane Cohen.
“To be on the mural wall and watch their kids have fun and engage with the community, I had forgot about that part of art,” said Sheldon Louis.
“At times, it (art) had become a job for me. This reminded me about creating art for the fun of art.”
Sheldon Louis says he’s proud of his students and their role in promoting the Okanagan culture.
“They will grow into leaders and advocate for our land,” he said.
Chief Byron Louis is impressed with the artists and the mural they have created.
“It adds quality to the community,” he said, adding that there is a need for youth to have meaningful involvement in the community.
“We are trying to create space for our local artists. It’s been difficult to fund support for young people to showcase their talents.”