New mural bringing awareness to Truth and Reconciliation, unveiled in Winnipeg’s North End

A new mural in Winnipeg’s North End is not only adding beauty to the neighbourhood, but the artist behind it says it’s also sharing a powerful message bringing awareness to Truth and Reconciliation.

Jedrick Thorassie, a self-taught artist from Tadoule Lake Manitoba, currently residing in Winnipeg, has been creating art over the past six years, but is now looking to take his work to the next level, with a new mural on Burrows Avenue, in collaboration with the Graffiti Art Programming.

 “I come from the people I know, the people I associate with, they all come from the streets, the North End of Winnipeg the struggle,” he said. “I tried to show everything in my art.”

The mural, now a permanent part of the Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad building, looks to bring awareness to Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action No. 66, which asks the federal government to fund community-based youth programs on reconciliation.

“There’s a message of the pain and hurt that young people and Indigenous people in general face, but there’s also a message of hope,” said Shanlee Scott Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc.’s executive director.

Part of the Graffiti Art Programming’s Art As Action Project, the mural not only responds to the Calls to Action, but also showcases the talents and growth of emerging artists like Thorassie.

“It’s about opening doors and offering opportunities,” said Scott . “And it’s up to him how he goes through that door and so far, people are just loving working with him.”

For Thorassie, this project is a major confidence boost, thanks to the support and guidance he’s received from various people and organizations. 

“It’s hard when you come from the streets and you have no support,” he said. “So when you meet people like that, who believe in you and hold you up and push you, it’s very important, for me anyway,” he said, as with every brush stroke, it’s a step closer to his destiny. 

And he’s encouraging others to follow their dreams as well. 

 “I feel like I was supposed to be an artist, this is my path in life,” he said. ““Believe in yourself dream really big and keep pursuing it no matter what”