Footprints Commemorative Indigenous Art Project

“Many of us have a limited understanding of the history of Indigenous people in this province. Our hope is that the Footprints Project will help to encourage us all to learn more about and understand the history of Indigenous people in Saskatchewan,” said Leasa Gibbons, Executive Director, Regina’s Warehouse Business Improvement District.

To commemorate the individuals found in unmarked graves in Saskatchewan, and to add support to those helping to raise awareness about Canada’s residential school legacy, Regina Downtown and Regina’s Warehouse Business Improvement Districts have joined forces to launch the FOOTPRINTS COMMEMORATIVE INDIGENOUS ART PROJECT.

Nine Indigenous artists from Saskatchewan have designed original artwork incorporating children’s footprints, according to each artist’s unique style. These designs will be used to place hundreds of footprints in Downtown Regina and in the Warehouse District, either as stencils temporarily painted onto sidewalks or as posters hung in vacant storefronts.

This project is focused on honouring and raising awareness of the numerous Indigenous children and adults who have walked through Saskatchewan’s residential school system – those who have survived, and those who have not. We hope for continued healing and reconciliation among all our relations, in all our communities.

Artists participating in the Footprints project are:

• Brandy Jones

• Brianna LaPlante

• Geanna Dunbar

• Joely BigEagle Kequahtooway

• Karlie King

• Kevin Wesaquate

• Madison Pascal

• Phyllis Poitras-Jarrett (pictured)

• Ron Ewenin Wapamoose