INFORMATION RELEASE

“Mentorship is my way of giving back to the community that I live in, and I feel that it is important to create safe and supportive spaces for youth to create,” said Marsden. “Teaching young artists is how I pass on my knowledge, and I hope to inspire the next generation to continue to paint public murals and transform public spaces. These murals create inclusion, encourage relationship building, community belonging, and visual storytelling.”

The mural project showcases the commitment RDOS Recreation has made to its mandate of fostering healthy individuals and communities by creating spaces that honour local Indigenous culture and heritage.

“RDOS Recreation is honoured to celebrate the completion of the Chief Woman Dancing mural,” said Andy Foster, RDOS Recreation and Facilities Manager. “It was inspiring to see local students contribute their creativity and enthusiasm to this meaningful work, and the RDOS is proud to see the Similkameen Recreation Centre continue to develop as an inclusive space for all.”

The mural project supports the RDOS goal of building collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities and expanding programs that support the well-being of all residents.

For further information, please email RDOS Recreation at rec@rdos.bc.ca.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737 

Artist statement - Sharifah Marsden
“My name is Sharifah Marsden, I am Anishinaabe (Ojibway) artist from the Mississauga’s of Scugog Island First Nation, Ontario. The women in my life and my personal experience have been fundamental to my focus and growth. I learned to paint in the woodlands style of art from my late mother, Laura Marsden. I am inspired to share images of the feminine experience, sisterhood, motherhood, and womanhood. I believe it is fundamental to share Indigenous women’s imagery in public art, to create visual inclusion in our modern landscapes.”

Mural project volunteers, Similkameen Elementary Secondary School (SESS) students, artist Sharifah Marsden, and RDOS Recreation and Facilities Manager Andy Foster with the completed Chief Woman Dancing mural.

Chief Woman Dancing mural description

She is Chief of her people, and she is dancing in celebration and as ceremony. She dances for the MMIW2S, she dances for her people, she dances for her ancestors, she dances for her descendants, and she dances for those who cannot dance. She is celebrating her life and her culture. She is matching the beat of the drum and the melodies of the singers and song with each step.