The Milton Public Library will be unveiling a new mural in celebration of National Indigenous History Month!
Entitled ‘Medicines’, it is a beautiful four-panel mural painted by local Indigenous artist Cassandra Bomberry.
Mayor Krantz and Town Council will be on hand to unveil the mural and Cassandra, a Kanien’kehá:ka artist from the Six Nations of the Grand River Reservation, will speak about her inspiration for the piece. The mural will be permanently displayed at Beaty branch in the grand entrance.
“Medicines is inspired by the medicines planted in the library’s garden and the plants surrounding the area,” shares Cassandra. “Growing up, I was thankful to be surrounded by nature and grateful for its power to uplift my spirits. I wanted this mural to create that same sense of positivity and wellbeing for the visitors of this library. In the same way books can educate us, the natural world has an abundance of knowledge for us to learn from. I hope to honour nature with this painting and remind us of the important relationship we have with the natural world.”
Milton Public Library received a $50,000 grant in 2022 from the Government of Canada’s Healthy Communities Initiative. Partnering with local Indigenous organization Grandmother’s Voice, MPL is working to bring new life to Beaty branch and inspire a more inclusive, inviting, and vibrant community space, both indoors and out, centered around the Indigenous ways of knowing about the land, plants, and medicines. The mural was commissioned by the Milton Public Library as part of this initiative.
“The mural at the Milton Public Library painted by local Indigenous artist Cassandra Bomberry has done a beautiful job of bringing Indigenous heritage into the MPL and the local community. I am very pleased that the Government of Canada supports initiatives like these that promote healthy and connected communities and Indigenous history. Thank you to Cassandra Bomberry, Grandmother’s Voice, and MPL for your work in making Beaty branch an enjoyable and inclusive environment for everyone,” shares MP Adam van Koeverden.
The Beaty library branch also stands out for its unique beehive! They were installed in 2020 and have been used to create honey, that occasionally goes on-sale throughout the year. Learn more here.
The unveiling will be on Thursday, June 1st at 2:00 p.m. at the Beaty library branch, located at 945 Fourth Line in Milton.
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