Margaret-underhill
This mural honours the four seasons of Manitoba, weaving together themes of family, connection, and the teachings of the Medicine Wheel. Each section aligns with a season, direction, and sacred medicine, reflecting the cycles of life and the lessons we learn throughout the year.
Winter begins on the staircase, which is aligned with the North. A polar bear and cub breathe the northern lights into the sky, where the constellation Ursa Major shines above. A Red River cart sits on the snow, with the cub wearing a Métis sash, honouring Manitoba’s strong Métis presence. Sweetgrass, the medicine of winter, grows alongside a mother and baby fox, symbolizing wisdom and adaptability.
The next panel, Spring, represents renewal and community. A family of robins represent family and new beginnings. Tobacco, the sacred medicine of spring, grows nearby. A circle of people holds hands around a sacred fire, embodying the strength of community.
Summer is alive with diverse wildlife. A muskrat and snapping turtle, each tied to Indigenous creation stories, move through the water, connected to a central Medicine Wheel. A mother loon and her baby also sit on the water, connected to the Wheel. They too represent family, as well as having a strong connection to dreams and visions in Indigenous culture. A frog, mosquitoes, and butterflies celebrate the richness of our ecosystem. Cedar, the summer medicine, offers protection and healing.
The final panel, Fall, has a large moose, symbolizing strength and resilience. He stands beneath five moons, marking the importance of cycles in Indigenous traditions. An owl represents knowledge, while two squirrels remind us of the power of preparation and family bonds. Sage, the medicine of fall, completes the scene.
This mural honours the land, its changing seasons, and the lessons they offer. Just as each season has its own strengths, each of us has our own gifts to share. We should honour nature and recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings. By appreciating the beauty and wisdom of each season, we deepen our respect for the land and all the life it sustains.