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:
Indigenous Roots began in 2025 as a public art partnership between East End Arts (EEA) and East End United Regional Ministry (EEURM) with a mural project at the Danforth Multifaith Commons, painted by a local Indigenous Artist named Mari. This partnership now continues into 2026 as both organizations work with Métis artist Josh LeClerc to beautify and enhance the entry space at the Glen Rhodes Campus, 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 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.
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 SPACE:
Here are some photos of the blank walls at Glen Rhodes Campus before being painted!
ABOUT THE COMPLETED MURAL: “Sustaining the Land for All Who Come Next”
“This mural is painted in honour of the journey that my Cree and French ancestors took across Turtle Island. It focuses on the animals, places, and art that have most inspired both my creative process and Métis identity. The animals are adorned with floral patterns, which were inspired by Métis beadwork. Specially that which is found on the fire, or octopus, bags that were used to carry tobacco and fire starter.
At the entrance you will find the image of a Red Tailed Hawk. It stands on rippling rocks, perched on the North shore of Lake Superior. Beside it, two Eastern White Pines soar above the water, representing the towering beauty of nature. As the mural moves along it transitions from rolling hills to a familiar urban setting. Moving from the city into a fish filled Humber River we are reminded of our dependency and responsibility towards nature. Proudly standing above this is the mighty Bison. It stands in front of the Red River Métis farming communities, featuring long narrow plots, which gave everyone equal access to the river. The final scene is the Peace River Valley. This is the farming community in Northern British Columbia that my ancestors eventually settled in, and where I was born. Here the broad Mule Deer stands atop the valley and a large Raven is perched upon a Birch branch. These animals and these images encourage us to remember the importance of the land, and our shared responsibility to sustaining it for future generations.”
Mural in progress photos below:
Completed Mural photos below:
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.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
Indigenous Roots Public Art Project takes 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.