A portable mural painted by Clayton Heights secondary students was unveiled this week and will begin touring the district to increase awareness and appreciation of First Nations culture and art as well as celebrating student art.

The mural depicts the creatures that embody the seven sacred teachings in the First Nations culture: Love (eagle), respect (buffalo), courage (bear), honesty (Sabe the human), wisdom (beaver), humility (wolf) and truth (turtle). Each creature is also paired with a crest from the traditions of Coast Salish, Haida, Kwakuitl, Ojibway and Cree. Literacy is brought into the piece with the teachings included as text on the mural.

The project was a vision of Mary-Lou Williams, Fine Arts Department Head at Clayton Heights secondary.

The special project was funded by the Aboriginal Department of the Surrey School district in cooperation with Clayton Heights secondary.

Last Updated: June 9, 2010