A new mural in downtown Prince George is putting Indigenous culture at the centre of a housing project aimed at supporting people experiencing housing insecurity.
Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) said the final touches have been added to the artwork, which was commissioned by the Raven-Tacuara artist collective, at 611 Brunswick St.
The project is focused on increasing access to safe and culturally grounded housing, and supporting individuals and families facing housing insecurity.
By reducing barriers to affordable housing, CSFS said, the project creates pathways to long-term well-being.
“It’s a multi-age building and we wanted to make sure that it was reflective of our nations, of who we are, of our culture,” said CSFS chief administrative officer Mary Teegee.
“We really wanted it to be comfortable and inviting and also to have a sense of ownership that this is our place, this is our home.”
The building will house all ages, from youth to elders, said Teegee, so it was important to have something that reflects the community.
“We certainly didn’t want a sterile place where it just looks like you had another apartment building. It makes it unique to who we are as First Nations people here,” she explained.
“So when we look at that mural, it’s beautiful … but also it’s healing. I think it gives our people a sense of pride.”