A mural titled Chief Woman Dancing has been completed on the exterior of the Similkameen Recreation Centre building in Keremeos. The mural’s artist, Sharifah Marsden, partnered with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Recreation team to create a mural showcasing Indigenous culture. Marsden worked with Similkameen Elementary Secondary School (SESS) over the past three years and included students in the process of creating the mural.
“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 [email protected].
