09/30/2026
We have had a few queries on the new mural and hope that this description from the Artist Jessica Desmoulin answers some of those questions about this amazing mural!
Please remember:
"Art is a personal conversation between the piece and the viewer"
"I would like to begin by respectfully acknowledging that I am living, creating, and sharing my work on Treaty 8 Territory — the traditional and ancestral lands of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, and Métis peoples. I am grateful to live and create on these lands and recognize the generations of Indigenous peoples who have cared for them.
I would also like to recognize and honour Cree artist Glen Nipshank and his artistic contribution. It is important to me that Indigenous artists, their creativity, and the stories and knowledge carried through their work are acknowledged and celebrated.
My name is Jessica Desmoulin. I am Biigtigong Anishinaabeg from the Pic River First Nation, in the Thunder Bay, Ontario. Although my roots are Ojibway, I have lived in Alberta for almost all of my life, and this place has become an important part of my journey as an Indigenous artist.
My artwork is grounded in who I am, where I come from, and the relationships and experiences that have shaped me. I am grateful for the opportunity to create, share space with other artists, and contribute to the continued presence and celebration of Indigenous art, culture, and storytelling. And I was so very proud to share this creation with my daughter, Alicia Basaraba. Who helped me through every aspect, from design, to color choices and to the final touches of the creation of the mural. Without my daughter and so much help from the community I don’t believe this mural would be as beautiful as it turned out.
It is my hope that the viewer will find their own connection and meaning in the mural. But I can explain some of my inspiration and meaning behind the art. The animals are all something that the community has seen in Slave Lake, muskwa-bear, kâhkâkiw-raven, kwîhkwîsiw-blue jay or wh***ey jack, and wâwâskesiw or wapiti-elk. It’s my hope that everyone, especially the young can connect with that. The tipi is to represent the indigenous community and our culture. And the indigenous faces and braids represent the indigenous peoples and our connection to nature. The blue on the bottom represents the lake and the fish represent the life in the lake. The red that runs across the water and connecting up through the animals and the tipi represents the connection we all have with the land and water. The landscape from left to right is light to dark, cold to warm, or times of day. Again, this is however the viewer finds the connection. And finally the northern lights. This was a special request from the Lesser Slave Lake Regional Arts council members, and I also thought it would be a nice way to respect the previous mural. Plus, Slave Lake is known for its beautiful northern lights and what a way to honour the natural art of nature.
All I really hope for is that the mural creates happiness and joy. That looking at it just makes a person feel positive energy and helps brighten their day.
Miigwech
Hiy Hiy
Thank you"
