Indigenous Art Mural in Erin Woods
On May 24, 2024, the Erin Woods Community Association came together to celebrate the unveiling of a powerful new Indigenous art mural — a project that blended creativity, culture, and community connection. Led by Planet Youth Calgary in collaboration with Indigenous artist Flora Johnson, this initiative was more than an artistic endeavor; it was a meaningful journey of learning, reconciliation, and belonging.
With support from the Greater Forest Lawn and Indigenous Parallel Community Coalitions, along with partners including the City of Calgary, Calgary Arts Development, and the Ward 9 Office, 5 youth artists devoted over 600 hours outside of school to bring the mural to life. Guided by Flora, the youth learned the techniques of large-scale mural painting while deepening their understanding of Indigenous culture and history through storytelling, mentorship, and reflection.
Over 3 months, what began as a project among strangers became a close-knit group of young artists who embodied key Planet Youth domains in action. The experience strengthened peer connections and offered a positive leisure and recreation opportunity outside of school hours. It fostered skill development and leadership, encouraged family and community engagement, and created a supportive environment that promoted connection, respect, and shared learning.
As the mural took shape, curious community members stopped to ask questions and learn about its meaning, transforming the worksite into a living classroom of culture and conversation.
The unveiling event brought together more than 60 attendees — including youth, families, Indigenous Elders, and local leaders — to celebrate the artists’ achievements. Each youth was recognized with a certificate and shared a personal artist bio. They chose the mural’s name and wrote a poem to accompany it, now displayed on a plaque beside their work, leaving a lasting mark on the Erin Woods community.
This mural stands as a vibrant symbol of youth creativity, reconciliation, and community pride — and a reflection of how Planet Youth’s prevention-focused approach fosters leadership, connection, and wellbeing for young people across all domains of life.
Read more in the blog by Calgary Arts Development: Community mural transforms conflict into shared story