TRC Calls to Action and Sisters in Spirit Day inspire new Indigenous bus shelter art
To coincide with Sisters in Spirit Day on October 4, Saskatoon Transit partnered with talented Indigenous artist Vanessa Hyggen, to unveil a new bus shelter at Preston Avenue and Adelaide Street. This is Saskatoon Transit’s fifth bus shelter in commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #79 (PDF).
This year’s bus shelter was created in collaboration with family and community members affected by the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), as well as Two-Spirit individuals. Vanessa skillfully integrated the shared thoughts and emotions of the group. Her aim was to pay tribute to and raise awareness of the issues faced, provide a healing space, and encourage community members to speak out. The bus shelter stands as a tribute to the lives affected by this tragic issue, a call for justice, and a symbol of hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Scan the QR code on the front of the bus shelter to be directed to a webpage page that includes the full story behind the artwork, information on the committee members that inspired the piece, and previous bus shelter art projects.
For more information, visit: saskatoon.ca/trc-bus-shelter-art
The other four Saskatoon Transit bus shelters displaying Indigenous artwork are located at the following locations:
- Confederation Drive & Massey Drive
- Rusholme Road at E.D. Feehan High School
- Broadway Avenue & 12 Street
- Clarence Avenue at Aden Bowman Collegiate
Faith Bosse, artwork committee member says: "I'm so thankful to have worked alongside the talented artists & family members who helped piece together this beautiful artwork over the past few months. As the daughter of an MMIW, it means so much to me to have something representing all of the families & our loved ones we have lost.”
Paul Trottier, artwork committee member says: “This bus shelter helps to lift the veil of silence, it expresses the voice of those who are missing, those who cannot be heard. Those who are missing are a part of someone, a life, a future, a human being. We want our loved ones back.”
Vanessa Hyggen, Indigenous artist says: “I've been honoured to work with the families who shared their stories with me. I carried their words and stories on my heart for about 3 weeks before I began to draw. Once I started to draw though, I felt like the direction of the piece all came together. I met with the committee a couple of times, received feedback, then worked to incorporate the feedback. This piece is a story, and a feeling, and I can only hope that it will help to elevate their voices, and raise the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two -Spirit People.”
Charlie Clark, Mayor says: “Coinciding with the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, I am proud to be able to unveil this new shelter. The Bus Shelter Art projects placed around the city provide meaningful art displays that tie together learning, understanding, and steps towards reconciliation. I am very grateful for all of the community partners and city staff who helped make this happen. The willingness of community members to support our work in responding to the TRC Calls to Action continues to be invaluable.”
Jim Puffalt, Director of Saskatoon Transit says: “We hope this bus shelter serves as an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and protected. With Vanessa and the committee members, we have crafted a beacon of awareness and a tribute to the strength of Indigenous cultures.”