East End Arts and East End United Regional Ministry are excited to present Indigenous Roots 2.0, an East End Mural Project for 2026. Scroll down to learn more!
Indigenous Roots 2.0 Mural Project
July-September, 2026
1470 Gerrard St East
ABOUT INDIGENOUS ROOTS 2.0 AT THE EASTMINSTER CAMPUS OF EEURM:
East End Arts (EEA) and East End United Regional Ministry (EEURM) are working together again in 2026 to bring another beautiful mural to the east end! This is an exciting opportunity to beautify and enhance the indoor lobby and stairway space at the Glen Rhodes Campus on Gerrard Street East (located at 1470 Gerrard St East), exploring themes of Indigenous Representation, Brilliance, Joy, Interconnectedness, Land Stewardship, Cultural Preservation, and other themes as chosen by the lead artist. Indigenous Roots 2.0 is a continuation of the work started in 2025 via “Indigenous Roots“.
This mural project will be designed and painted by lead Métis artist, Josh Leclerc, also known as toe.fish online. This project will also support an emerging indigenous muralist via a mentee role (please scroll down to apply to this mentee role).
Indigenous Roots 2.0 again builds on EEURM’s longstanding commitment to community-engaged art and responds to the Calls to Action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This project is grounded in justice, solidarity, and hope, and aims to foster meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and artists. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the summer of 2026 as this mural project comes to life! The Community Mural Unveiling and Celebration Day is slated for a date in September, 2026.
Indigenous Roots Public Art Project will take place on the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, which is also the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, the Haudenosaunee confederacy and the Anishinaabe. This territory is subject to the dish with one spoon treaty, a covenant between the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat to share and care for the land and resources in the lower Great Lakes area.
CALL FOR MENTEES
As part of the Indigenous Roots 2.0 project, we are inviting interested emerging indigenous muralists to apply for a mentee role. The chosen mentee will be guided by Josh through the process of creating a mural, and learn how art can be translated onto walls in a large scale project like this.
This mural project will explore themes of indigenous representation, brilliance, joy, and interconnectedness, as well as land stewardship & cultural preservation. EEA is committed to supporting artistic careers and creating economic opportunities for artists in the east end of Toronto.
The project design and roll-out for Indigenous Roots 2.0 will take place between July-August 2026 (Exact Dates TBD), with a Mural Unveiling and Celebration Day slated for a date in September, 2026 (Exact Date TBD). The selected mentee will be paid an honorarium at $25/hour for up to 20 hours of participation, for a maximum of $500.
If you are interested in applying for this Mentee position, please click the button below to fill out our short Mentee application form! The deadline to apply is June 26, 2026.
ABOUT THE LEAD ARTIST
Josh LeClerc
Social Media: Instagram @toe.fish
About the Artist: Josh LeClerc is a Métis artist, muralist, and woodworker working in an eclectic range of styles and mediums. Over the last few years he has also begun teaching art to children with a focus on curiosity, play and the creating with found natural materials. Themes in his work often include our human relationship to the natural world, sustainability, ancestry, and identity. He has presented his work in solo and group shows in Vancouver, Victoria, and Toronto.
ABOUT THE MURAL:
Here are some photos of the blank walls before being painted! Stay tuned for updated project photos and the artist statement for the completed mural!
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