INNISFAIL - There are bears in the lobby of Innisfail's St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School.
They are the central theme of a stunning new piece of public art that was completed by accomplished indigenous artist Delree Dumont; formerly active in the region as both an artist and businesswoman with a gallery in Didsbury but now residing near Revelstoke, B.C.
“The bear provides many lessons in the way it lives but courage is the most important teaching it offers,” said Dumont to students and staff at a school-wide assembly on Sept. 8. “The bear is one of the seven sacred animals of our grandfathers’ teaching, and their other traits are independence, strength, family and health.”
The bear is the school’s official mascot and central motif on Dumont’s new St. Marguerite mural.
It was created in a pointillism style to highlight the school’s cherished four educational pillars that come together under the acronym of B.E.A.R: I am a Blessing, I am Empathetic, I am an Ambassador and I am Reliable.
Each student can now proudly proclaim, ‘I am a Bear’, which like the four pillars is also proudly included on Dumont’s artwork, which for now is without an official name.
“I don’t know. Maybe we'll call it, ‘The Four Pillars. Yes, ‘I am a Bear?’ We've never even thought of a name for it,” said Selena Frizzley, the school’s assistant principal.
More importantly, Dumont’s contracted work for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS), and specifically for St. Marguerite, is another step forward in an ongoing commitment to honour indigenous teachings and culture but in an “authentic way”, said Frizzley, the former coordinator of Indigenous Education Services with RDCRS.
“By having Delree Dumont here it's a chance for the students to connect with an indigenous artist and see what her teachings and value system are and to bring that forward through her artwork,” said Frizzley.
“We just think it's imperative for our students to see this world view from the indigenous lens, and for Delree to do that and to incorporate our Four Pillars and I am a Bear into this mural has been amazing for the kids to be part of and to witness.”
Dumont’ completed work of art comes two weeks before Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30; the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and a Canadian holiday to recognize the legacy of the Canadian Indian residential school system.
The day is being recognized at St. Marguerite on Sept. 29.
Dean Shingoose, who is a knowledge keeper and cultural adviser for the region’s indigenous community, is opening the school’s recognition of Orange Shirt Day with prayers and drumming.
“We're going to recognize it by giving the students lessons, instructions and stories so that they have a greater understanding of the legacy of residential schools and how it has impacted indigenous people in the past but also currently,” said Frizzley, adding Dumont’s completed art piece with be a “nice feature” for Orange Shirt Day.
Dumont is a proud member of the Onion Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory on the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan, about 50 kilometers north of Lloydminster.
She is 59-years-old, and has been a full time artist for the last 10 years.
Dumont has been contracted several times in recent years by RDCRS to paint murals.
“I'm happy about that, and that they're supporting indigenous artists, such as myself. It’s part of a true act of truth and reconciliation, especially when Orange Shirt Day is coming up here,” Dumont told the Albertan on Sept. 12.
“Because I'm indigenous it's just so much more meaningful for me, especially because it's near that date, and hopefully people can just sit here and look at this and just reflect."
Most of all for Dumont there is hope today; hope that comes out with each stroke of her brush.
She noted her parents went to residential school, which adversely impacted her.
“I’ve lost so much opportunities to learn from my parents. They never spoke our language to us. Our culture was so lost in that time,” said Dumont.
“And now I see there's so many resources out there to help promote indigenous learning, teachings, language; you name it. It's out there. Yes, it definitely gives me a lot of hope.
“I’m leaving a legacy behind. I'm hoping this painting lasts for 10, 20 years. And all these kids that are going to be looking at this is like, wow. So, it's totally doable.”
