The Regina Open Door Society is located in the City of Regina on Treaty 4 land, which is recognized as the traditional territory of the nêhiyawak/Cree, Nahkawē/Saulteaux, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.
About
Presenting the Regina Open Door Society Mural, a captivating mosaic of cultural harmony co-created by Indigenous and newcomer artists with participation from our youth program participants and the support of our community partners. This initiative aims to forge a vibrant and inclusive space for newcomers while honouring the profound impact and significance of Indigenous history and art in shaping our city.
At the heart of this mural, you’ll find abstract portraits of newcomers, symbolizing the diversity of the people who have chosen to call Regina their home. These portraits stand proudly against representations of the Indigenous land and resources, acknowledging the profound impact and significance of the original peoples of this land. The sun and moon in this masterpiece are adorned with Kookum scarves, which embody the spirit of unity and cooperation between the First Nations, Metis, and Ukrainian settlers who have coexisted on this land for generations. The clothing of the people in the mural has original garments from the culture they represent to showcase the intricacy and beauty of the pieces.
As you journey through the mural, you’ll notice the delicate beauty of national flowers from various countries, tenderly placed across the landscape. Each bloom represents the vibrant cultures that enrich our city, emphasizing the celebration of multiculturalism at the very core of this project. The words welcome, expressed in multiple languages, are skillfully added to the tiles framing the mural, and the design, further emphasizing the openness and warmth of our community. This mural is a symbol of our collective commitment to building bridges between cultures, embracing diversity, and fostering a sense of belonging for all.
The intricate patterned tiles that frame the mural also serve as a testament to the tireless efforts of our youth program participants, who, with brushes in hand and hearts united, have contributed their time and passion to help bring this vision to life.
The Regina Open Door Society Mural Project would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of many organizations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Regina Open Door Society staff, Dunlop Art Gallery, Regina Public Library, and the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District for joining forces with lead artists Geanna Dunbar and Bruno Hernani. Their visionary guidance has guided the artistic process and helped shape this remarkable mural into a true reflection of our values.
This mural serves as a powerful testament to the strength of unity, reminding us of the beauty that emerges when cultures intertwine and respect one another. It calls upon us to embrace our collective heritage, acknowledge the importance of Indigenous history, and continue building a city where everyone feels at home.
As you gaze upon this masterpiece, we hope it ignites a sense of pride and joy within your heart. We invite you to immerse yourself in the stories it tells, celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that call Regina home, and be inspired to build a stronger, more welcoming community for generations to come.
The Artists
Geanna Dunbar
From Treaty 4, Geanna Dunbar is a Cree-Métis spoken word, visual artist and entrepreneur from Regina, Saskatchewan. She works in mixed media collage, sculpture, acrylic, street art, chalkboard and window painting, and large-scale murals as well as Branding Scarification, Body Piercing, Machine Tattooing, Skin-stitch and hand poked tattooing. With a special interest in sustainable art and interdisciplinary community collaboration, Geanna often sets personal challenges that help her grow and deepen her relationship with her environment and with others.
Bruno Hernani
Bruno Hernani is a Peruvian-born artist and engineer passionate about the environment. He has lived in Regina for over ten years and has been involved in several community and art projects involving schools, community groups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses. Bruno’s art practice mainly involves painting with acrylics and constructing tridimensional pieces made of recycled materials. His art is influenced by his passion for geometry, music, life and the environment.
Sarah Pitman
Sarah Pitman is Arts Educator at Dunlop Art Gallery and is a local artist living on Treaty 4 Territory, Regina, Saskatchewan. She works with a variety of mediums such as sculpture, photography, fibre arts, and mixed media. Sarah is passionate about exploring community, collaboration, accessibility, communication, and healing through artmaking. She believes that art is for everyone and has the power to break boundaries and change lives.
