**CITY OF TIMMINS NEWS RELEASE**

Last week, northern artist Mique Michelle completed a consultation with City staff and Timmins High & Vocational School students on the design for a mural in the entranceway of City Hall, and the results are incredible.

“I am excited and pleased with participation of the youth in this project,” said Mayor George Pirie. “They have envisioned a future for our community that embraces the physical environment such as our rivers and the Canadian Shield and that also recognizes the important roles that the Indigenous people have played in the history of our region.”

Funding for this mural project has been procured by Misiway Milopemahtesewin Community Health Centre through the Ontario Arts Council. The goal of the mural project is to showcase the transfer of knowledge between Elders and Youth through visual art, with the premise being that Elders share traditional teachings (such as creation story, water teachings) with Youth who, in turn depict those teachings through murals.

“This mural really showcases the partnerships and relationships that are in place within the city,” said Councillor Kristin Murray. “I really like that there is an honour to the rich mining history of Timmins, which can be noticed in the colours that are weaved into the mural, and were selected by the artist based on metal’s vibrant colours in and around the community (gold, teals etc). It indicates that Mique really listened to staff and youth during the consultation phase. Furthermore, as a city councilor, I’m so appreciative of knowing that every time I walk up to Council Chambers that an eagle feather, a very powerful and sacred item, is there with me.”

Filed under: Local News