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Turtle

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ And RBC Convention Centre Unveil “Returning to Our Roots” Indigenous Mural Spanning 200 Feet

January 2025, Treaty No.1 Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, in partnership with RBC Convention Centre, is pleased to unveil Returning to Our Roots, a large-scale mural by local Indigenous artist Justine Proulx. 

The mural, totalling approximately 200 feet in length and nine feet in height, is located on an exterior wall of the RBC Convention Centre – one of Winnipeg’s most prominent gathering places – along St. Mary Avenue, between Carlton and Edmonton streets. 

Composed of four interconnected panels, Returning to Our Roots is a visual exploration of Indigenous teachings and values. It reflects the sacred number four in many Indigenous cultures, with each panel representing a different season, direction, medicine, and overall, the circle and seasons of life. 

“I’m hoping this mural inspires a feeling of interconnectedness and becomes a meeting spot to pause and reflect on peoples’ own relationship with the land,” says Justine Proulx, mural artist. “It’s also a call to action – to return to your roots, no matter what background you’re from.” 

Justine Proulx is a young Métis tattooist & mural artist from Winnipeg and Treaty No. 1 territory. Justine has an impressive portfolio, having painted nearly 35 murals in many schools throughout Winnipeg and surrounding areas. Her art – specializing in the Woodlands style – explores the connections between spirit, animal, nature and people. Justine brings a modern twist to ancient motifs, noting each piece is a call to action and a reminder of the vibrant spirit and legacy of Indigenous peoples. 

“Reconciliation is an opportunity for us to come together, to listen and learn from one another,” says Kate Fenske, CEO of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “Public art, like Returning to Our Roots, plays an important role in that process. It sparks meaningful conversations and builds understanding and appreciation for Indigenous culture, while also making our downtown a more vibrant, inclusive and welcoming neighbourhood.”

Recognizing the significance and scope of this project, a community-based, Indigenous-led committee was established by the BIZ to provide guidance and oversight, including project objectives, timelines, and the artist selection process. Returning to Our Roots is the largest mural project undertaken by Downtown Winnipeg BIZ to date, marking another milestone in the organization’s public art initiatives and ongoing commitment to honour and celebrate Indigenous culture through its programming.

“We are proud to partner with Downtown Winnipeg BIZ to bring this powerful piece of Indigenous art to our downtown community and the place where hundreds of thousands of people come from all over the world to meet and gather every year,” says Drew Fisher, President and CEO of RBC Convention Centre. “This mural not only beautifies our downtown neighbourhood, but also promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, which is essential as we work together toward reconciliation.”

Fenske and Fisher extended their gratitude and appreciation to the committee and all partners involved in bringing this significant public art project to life, adding vibrancy downtown for generations to come.

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