Laurier Library mural taking shape with the help of 120 community members

Aug. 17, 2023

Members of Wilfrid Laurier University’s executive leadership team were among 60 staff, students, faculty and community members who rolled up their sleeves and put brush to canvas during an Aug. 15 collaborative painting session as part of the Laurier Library Indigenous Mural Project.  

Led by mural artist Mike Cywink, it was the second of two painting sessions held at Nadjiwan Kaandossiwin Gamik, Laurier’s Waterloo campus Indigenous Student Centre. Cywink was selected to create an outdoor mural on the southwest wall of the Laurier Library on the university’s Waterloo campus. The mural will celebrate Indigenous art and culture, different ways of knowing and storytelling, and symbolize Laurier’s institutional commitment to indigeneity. 

“The Indigenous Mural Project has been a great way for people at Laurier and in the broader community to connect and learn more about Indigenous art and storytelling,” said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “It was an honour to be part of the process and I am looking forward to seeing the final project. I am grateful to Mike Cywink, the Laurier Library and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives for their work in making this project a reality.” 

Community is a central theme of the project and facilitating a community connection with the mural was an important aspect of its creation. Prior to the painting sessions, Cywink hosted two open workshops to learn about the community’s vision and ideas for the mural.  

Cywink will now complete the mural at his offsite studio and return to campus in September for the installation process. An unveiling event is scheduled for Sept. 28.  

Learn more about the Laurier Library Indigenous Mural Project on CTV Kitchener, CBC and in the Waterloo Chronicle.