New mural by Indigenous artist at Milton library branch inspired by local garden

A new mural celebrating medicine in the Indigenous culture will be unveiled tomorrow at a Milton Public Library branch.

In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, the unveiling of Medicines, a four-panel mural painted by local Indigenous artist Cassandra Bomberry will be held Thursday, June 1, at 2 p.m. at Beaty branch, 945 Fourth Line.

“Medicines is inspired by the medicines planted in the library’s garden and the plants surrounding the area. Growing up, I was thankful to be surrounded by nature and grateful for its power to uplift my spirits,” said Bomberry, a Kanien’kehá:ka artist from the Six Nations of the Grand River Reservation.

“I wanted this mural to create that same sense of positivity and well-being for the visitors of this library. In the same way books can educate us, the natural world has an abundance of knowledge for us to learn from. I hope to honour nature with this painting and remind us of the important relationship we have with the natural world.”

Town officials will be on hand to unveil the mural, which will be permanently displayed in the grand entrance of the Beaty Branch.

“The mural at the Milton Public Library painted by local Indigenous artist Cassandra Bomberry has done a beautiful job of bringing Indigenous heritage into the MPL and the local community,” said Milton MP Adam van Koeverden.

“I am very pleased the Government of Canada supports initiatives like these that promote healthy and connected communities and Indigenous history. Thank you to Cassandra Bomberry, Grandmother’s Voice, and MPL for your work in making Beaty branch an enjoyable and inclusive environment for everyone.”

Milton Public Library received a $50,000 grant in 2022 from the Government of Canada’s Healthy Communities Initiative.

“Partnering with local Indigenous organization Grandmother’s Voice, MPL is working to bring new life to Beaty branch and inspire a more inclusive, inviting, and vibrant community space, both indoors and out, centered around the Indigenous ways of knowing about the land, plants, and medicines,” said a Library spokesperson.