East End Arts and East End United Regional Ministry – Danforth Multifaith Commons are excited to present the Indigenous Roots Mural Project of 2025. Scroll down to learn more!
Indigenous Roots Mural Unveiling Celebration
Sunday September 28, 2025 | 11:30AM-1:00PM
310 Danforth Avenue
Free | RSVP HERE ON FACEBOOK
ABOUT INDIGENOUS ROOTS AT THE EASTMINSTER CAMPUS OF EEURM:
“Indigenous Roots” is a mural project presented by East End Arts (EEA) and the Danforth Multifaith Commons of EEURM. This mural project is a part of the EEURM’s journey towards addressing the church-related recommendations as addressed by the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. It is rooted in a deep sense of justice, solidarity and commitment to build bridges and forge meaningful connections with the original stewards of this land.
In July of 2025 EEA and EEURM hired talented a local Indigenous Artist named Mari to beautify and enhance the indoor lobby space of the Danforth Multifaith Commons of EEURM (located at 310 Danforth Avenue), exploring themes of Indigenous Representation, Brilliance, Joy, Interconnectedness, Land Stewardship, Cultural Preservation.
This mural project is now complete, and we are inviting our local communities to come out and celebrate this beautiful new mural, toast the incredible artist who brought it to life, and recognize and honour Indigenous Culture and History in light of the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Please join us on Sunday September 28th, 2025 from 11:30AM-1:00PM. The space is fully accessible for wheelchair users. There will be refreshments and speaking moments from many of the people who made the first phase of this project possible. There is also a service beforehand at 10:30AM, which everyone is invited to join. To recognize National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we invite you to wear an orange shirt to help us amplify the statement to support reconciliation and commit to the enduring truth that EVERY CHILD MATTERS.
JOIN US TO:
- Meet the lead artist & organizers who helped make this beautiful mural project possible
- Enjoy refreshments (light snacks and drinks)
- Take some photos and/or selfies in front of the beautiful new lobby mural
- Honour and recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day (the actual date for this is Tuesday September 30th, so this mural celebration will be two days in advance)
- Take part in a “Reconciliations Rocks” painting activity for people of all ages, (paint your vision of reconciliation on it’s surface). You can take it home, or leave it to be displayed at Danforth Multifaith Commons.
- And more!
ABOUT THE LEAD ARTIST
Mari
Social Media: Instagram @mar.realism
About the Artist: I’m Mari — a full-time artist at Crash and Burn Tattoos, an Indigenous-owned shop in Toronto. I’m currently on a journey of reconnecting with my Métis identity, and art has been one of the most meaningful ways I’ve been doing that. I’ve learned so much from my mentors and the Indigenous guest artists who pass through — the space is full of good energy, healing, and support.
I specialize in realism, script, and floral tattoos — especially Métis-inspired floral designs — and I also create murals. Whether through ink or paint, art helps me feel grounded and connected to something greater.
When I was invited to create this mural, I was given themes like land stewardship, reconciliation, and interconnectedness. Each panel reflects a teaching: the land as our guide, ancestral knowledge carried through generations, and the sacred beauty of what grows and moves around us. I wanted this work to feel appropriate for the space, but also true to where I am — still learning, still listening, and deeply grateful to be creating art rooted in care, community, and cultural connection.
ABOUT THE COMPLETED MURAL: The Land Speaks Through Generations
The completed mural features three separate but connected panels that all have a specific meaning and message behind them.
- Messages in the Field
Location: Near the front windows
This panel focuses on the life-giving power of the land. Corn, as a traditional food and symbol, represents nourishment, growth, and ancestral knowledge. Monarch butterflies speak to migration, change, and resilience — they’re always moving, yet deeply tied to their roots. The crow above feels like a protector or spirit messenger, watching over the land. This whole section is about grounded beauty, transformation, and the sacredness of what grows from the earth. - Flowing Through Generations
Location: Accessible washroom door
This panel is a flow of energy, water, and growth. Inspired by Métis floral patterns and beadwork, I wanted to capture joy and spiritual connection through bold outlines and light movement. Blue represents water — a source of life and cleansing — and the flowers reach upward, symbolizing brilliance, healing, and cultural continuity. I kept this design fluid and open to interpretation, letting the energy guide me. - Guided by the Land
Location: Elevator area
This final panel shows geese in flight over the mountains — symbols of community, movement, and endurance. The mountains ground the image in strength and endurance. At the base, buttercups and white asters bloom, with a rabbit nestled among them — subtle details that root the scene in the land’s living beauty. The geese flying together reflect interconnection, care, and the brilliance of shared journeys.
ABOUT THE FUNDER:
East End United Regional Ministry is a faith seeking community of the United Church that welcomes participants with diverse perspectives on God, church and the meaning of Christian faith.
An affirming congregation of the United Church that invites people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to join us.
A provider of services to members of our local community offering practical necessities, such as food and clothing, as well as the warmth of community and care