Mural unveiled to showcase diversity and youth in North Central community

The North Central Community Association has partnered with the Rainbow Youth Centre to create a new mural in the heart of North Central.

Unveiled last weekend, the mural covers the south side of the youth centre and was painted by local artist Geanna Dunbar.

Representatives of the local association and youth centre said the undertaking was possible thanks to support from the city.

The association demanded that activities be undertaken for the local community that would represent the community and youth.

Youth from the community helped create the piece.

“It’s so important for youth in our community to be involved in projects like this,” said Jacqui Wasacase, executive director of the Rainbow Youth Centre.

“The concept started last fall. The actual painting and development of the mural started this spring,” said Pat Faulconbridge, executive director of the North Central Community Association.

“You’ll see smoke in the mural. We started painting this mural at a time when there was smoke in the community from the wildfires. We could still see the vision through the smoke. So there’s a lot of symbolism in this mural and anyone who walks by will see something personal.”

Wasacase and Faulconbridge said the mural is another step toward reconciliation in the community.

“I think the more we do things like this, the more we create that space,” Wasacase said.

To celebrate the mural, community members participated in a circle dance and barbecue.