Indigenous Mural Art by Shaun Vincent

Introduction

We are currently in a pivotal and transformative moment in time in our province with Indigenous issues and Truth and Reconciliation at the forefront, while we are also seeing an emergence of a vibrant Indigenous economy – activists, entrepreneurs, businesses, leaders and more.

RRC Polytech is deeply committed to Truth and Reconciliation and has an ambitious plan to grow Indigenous student enrolment and graduation. With the youth Indigenous population in Manitoba as the largest growing group, the College needs to build trust and interest to inspire and attract Indigenous students.

Beginning in early 2020, in an effort to add beauty and warmth to RRC Polytech’s campuses, Shaun Vincent was asked to work with the College and our Indigenous community partners to lead an inclusive, collaborative approach towards developing Indigenous mural art that is representative and authentic and could help create a more welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors.

Shaun’s vibrant art can now be experienced inside and outside RRC Polytech buildings, classroom, and lab spaces. All eight murals can be viewed in full frame with their associated message at the Notre Dame Campus on the second floor of Building F.

About the Artist

Shaun Vincent graduated from RRC Polytech with an advanced diploma in Graphic Design in 2003. He’s an artist, graphic designer, and marketing strategist, and the owner of Vincent Design, a creative marketing company with a reputation for being a leader in Indigenous design. With roots firmly planted in his hometown of Winnipeg and the Métis community of Saint-Laurent, he has earned a reputation for his steadfast commitment to each client and project, and his careful intention to create authentic, memorable work that speaks volumes.

The Artist’s Vision

When Shaun was hired by the College to create custom mural art for RRC Polytech, he included this rationale:

“I’m often tasked by clients to represent all three groups of Indigenous People (First Nation, Inuit, and Métis ) equally in my designs. This can be challenging for a multitude of reasons. One is that some animals or objects do not represent all Nations. Some are very specific to particular teachings, such as the Seven Sacred Teachings. Also, I try to avoid cliché items that most would typically know as the main identifiers. For these reasons I have made a slight shift from the traditional Seven Sacred Teachings to use animals that represent lessons based on my own interpretations. These representations typically span across different Nations, allowing them to be accepted and celebrated by all.”

– Shaun Vincent, Mural Artist and RRC Polytech Graphic Design Grad

Mother Protector

Bear looked up to see her two cubs climbing higher into the branches. As she moved closer, the pink and purple streaks in the sky added their colour to the cubs’ black coats. With their bravery and her protection, they could reach the treetop for a full view.

You are brave.
You are worthy of protection.

Blockaders

In a nearby stream, Beaver barely paused his work to look up. Wise to the changing ways of the skies, he had seen the blues, pinks and greens above him mirrored in the waters he brought to a halt with his labour. Calm within the environment he created, Beaver knew his relations could find a home where they were protected and at peace.

You can discover what is most important to you.
You have what you need to learn.

Running Thunder

Bison tore into the earth with his hooves, raising clumps of grass and soil. Close by, his relations also began to stir, lifting their massive heads above the prairie, grunting and blowing. When Bison began to run, they joined in, raising clouds of dirt as they thundered on together.

You are powerful.
You are worthy of respect.

Sunset Caribou

Caribou moved as one alongside her sisters and brothers, the last of the sun’s rays glowing through antlers and fur. As they made their journey towards new ground, the rhythm kept Caribou in step as together they slowed down and sped up across the distance, while the sun followed its path above them.

You are not alone.
You are part of something bigger than yourself.

Sky Dancer

Eagle flew as high as he could, his wings carrying him through layers of light. The power extended through the ends of every feather, and rested in the talons underneath him. Eagle sought the source of the light and to be light.

You are loved.
You are protected.

Family

Wolf peered out from the stand of trees. Although they made no sound, she could feel the presence of the pack behind her. She tilted her head back and howled, awaiting their answer. Whatever came next, they were ready to stand together.

Your eyes see the world around you clearly.
You can help others and yourself.

Speckled Lurkers

Lurker darted to the water’s surface to see the source of the colours reflected there. She saw how they added bursts of orange, red and purple to her gloriously speckled skin. If a thing of beauty is a joy forever, I am an eternity, she thought.

You are moving toward your destiny.
You have everything you need around you.

Waving Sabe

Sabe emerged from the edge of the trees ever-observant, ever watchful. As Sabe saw the creatures around him look up, instead of following their gaze, Sabe looked at them, seeing them as they were, and as everything they had the potential to become.

You know your truth.
You can do your best work here.