Indigenous art in EITC

"Engineering and Truth and Reconciliation" mural by Mike Valcourt

Location: Main floor of E2, between the Dean’s Office (E2-290) and Student Services (E2-262)

Created by local Indigenous artist Mike Valcourt, this 9×40 ft mural reflects on the past, present, and future of engineering through the lens of Truth and Reconciliation. It acknowledges the impact of colonization and celebrates Indigenous innovation, particularly through imagery. The mural invites viewers to reflect on how engineering can move forward with respect and inclusion. 

• Read story on UMToday

"Ombaashi" (s/he is blown up in the wind) by Dee Barsy

Location: Student Services (E2-262)

Ojibwe artist Dee Barsy of Skownan First Nation approaches her work with genuine curiosity and care, drawing inspiration from the natural world and the distinct personalities of the animals she portrays. Through vibrant colours and abstracted forms, Ombaashi captures a sense of motion and rhythm that reflects the harmony of nature. The piece invites viewers to reflect on how our individual yet interconnected roles shape and influence the larger community on this territory.

Sculptures by Inuit artists

Location: Display case by Student Services (E2-262) 

"Sealhunter" by unknown artist (left)

"Man/Igloo/Sled" by Amewtr (middle)

"Kneeling Inuit Man with Pack" by Charlie Sivuarapir (right)

Not pictured: 

"Untitled" by Nuyaliaq (Newgaliak) Qimirpik

"Otter/Flipper" by Adamie

Star Blanket “Respect” By Neepekan Hunt

Location: Second floor (300 level) off main Atrium staircase

Created by Anishinaabe and Cree artist Neepekan Hunt, this star blanket incorporates Indigenous symbols and University of Manitoba colours to convey respect, connection and cultural teachings. The buffalo represents respect for all beings, while the Inuksuk, Métis Infinity symbol, and double row Medicine Wheel highlight the interconnection of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. The blanket also reflects the spiritual connection to the Star Nations, reminding us that we come from and return to the stars.

Art by Bada Jean and Lawrence Beaulieu 

Location: E2-251

"Miyo Kisikaw" by Bada Jean (left)

"Mother and Child" by Lawrence Beaulieu (middle)

"Spring Mama Bear" by Bada Jean (right) 

"The Earth is My Government" by Christi Belcourt

Location: Library (E3-360)

Christi Belcourt is a Métis visual artist, designer and community organizer whose dot-painted works, inspired by Métis floral beadwork, explore nature, spirituality and cultural themes. Her art is held in major collections including the National Gallery of Canada and Art Gallery of Ontario and she has received awards such as the Aboriginal Arts Laureate (2014) and Governor General’s Award for Innovation (2016).

Various pieces by Jackson Beardy

Location: E2-361
"Loons III" (left), "Bird Harmony" (middle) and "Loons IV"(right).

Born on Garden Hill Reserve, Island Lake, Manitoba, Jackson Beardy was an Anishinaabe artist, storyteller, teacher and advocate for Indigenous people and artists. After attending residential school in Portage la Prairie, he studied at the Technical Vocational High School and the University of Manitoba, with his first exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in 1965. In 1984, he began the mural Peace and Harmony at the Indigenous Family Centre in Winnipeg, which was completed posthumously by students. Beardy’s legacy continues to influence Indigenous artists and Canadian art.

"Astam" by Wally Dion

Location: EITC Atrium

Wally Dion is a Canadian artist of Saulteaux ancestry living and working in upstate New York. Working across painting, drawing and sculpture, his practice combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with contemporary materials. 

A related series features a repeated image of an Indigenous person whose hair is worn in two tight braids. Braids carry cultural significance; for many Indigenous people, long hair, often braided, symbolizes strength, wisdom, care and a connection to ancestors, the Creator and the Earth. 

• Read story on a Wally Dion exhibit on UMToday

"Night Traveler" by Raven Starr

Location: Department of Engineering Education (SP-341)

Raven Starr is a self taught Manitoba artist who began painting at 16 after rejecting formal art rules in school. She creates intuitive, animal focused works featuring creatures like crows, wolves, and tigers, often set in surreal or dreamlike landscapes. Her style is totemic and expressive, shaped by imagination, observation, and personal feeling rather than strict planning.

"Metal Toad" by Blake Angeconeb

Location: Library

Blake Angeconeb is an Anishinaabe Woodland style artist from Lac Seul First Nation who is based in Winnipeg. He is self taught and is known for blending traditional Indigenous Woodland imagery with modern pop culture references. His work features bold outlines, vibrant colours, and symbolic animal figures, often reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. He has created public murals and commissioned works across Manitoba and is recognized for making Indigenous art more accessible and engaging to wider audiences.

"Untitled (Coin Dress)" by Blake Angeconeb

Location: Department of Engineering Education (SP-341)

Blake Angeconeb is a contemporary Anishinaabe artist known for blending traditional Woodland art with modern pop culture imagery. He is a member of Lac Seul First Nation and currently works out of Winnipeg. He is self taught and began painting relatively late in life after a casual painting session with his young niece sparked an unexpected passion for art.