Visual Arts & Murals
Nova Courchene, Visual Artist
Nova Courchene is an Anishinaabekwe visual artist whose work is rooted in Anishnaabe traditional knowledge and teachings. Her vibrant creations bring cultural stories to life, aiming to share and preserve Indigenous perspectives.
Nova’s work has been commissioned by organizations like Pembina Trails School Division, the City of Winnipeg, and Anish Healing Centre for murals, public art, and semi-permanent installations. These projects serve as both visual enhancements and educational tools.
Passionate about art’s power to educate and inspire, Nova engages with teachers, youth programs, and educational initiatives. For collaborations on murals, programs, or projects, reach out to explore possibilities.
13 Ojibwe Seasons Mural
Westdale School, Pembina Schools Trails Division
(4 walls, indoors)
The mural is inspired by the 13 moons in Ojibwe, each representing a unique aspect of the natural cycle:
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Waatebagaa Giizis (Leaves Changing Moon)
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Binaakwii Giizis (Falling Leaves Moon)
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Gashkadino Giizis (Freezing Moon)
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Manido Giizis (Spirit Moon)
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Gichi-Manido Giizis (Great Spirit Moon)
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Gaadakoozid Giizis (Short Moon)
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Nika Giizis (Goose Moon)
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Omagakii Giizis (Frog Moon)
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Zaagibagaa Giizis (Budding Moon)
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Ode’imin Giizis (Strawberry Moon)
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Aabita-niibino Giizis (Half Summer Moon)
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Manoominike Giizis (Wild Rice Moon)
The Ojibwe 13 Moons are a traditional way of understanding and marking the passage of time based on the lunar cycle, closely tied to the natural environment and the seasonal changes in the Ojibwe territory. Each moon represents a specific month and corresponds to the ecological events and cultural practices that occur during that time. These moons reflect a deep connection to the land, animals, plants, and the spiritual world, guiding the Ojibwe people in their daily lives and activities.
Nova was fortunate to have the talented students from Mrs. Moore’s Art Class join her in bringing this mural to life. Although the project was not initially designed to be kid-friendly, the students proved to be incredible collaborators. Together, they carefully navigated challenges such as paint drips and smudges, maintained clean hands, and painted with remarkable precision.
This mural is more than a visual piece—it tells the story of the 13 moons through a shared creative effort. Experience the beauty and meaning of this artwork, shaped by both Nova's vision and the students' enthusiastic contributions.
7 Sacred Teachings Mural
Ralph Maybank, Pembina Schools Trails Division
(4' by 16', indoor)
The 7 Sacred Teachings, are core principles in many Indigenous cultures across North America, particularly among the Anishinaabe, Cree, and other First Nations across Turtle Island. These teachings provide a principled framework, guiding individuals to lead a good and meaningful life while fostering respect for oneself, others, and the natural world.
The creation of the mural was a collaborative effort involving students from kindergarten through grade 6. Designed in a Woodland Ojibwe style, the mural features the animals that represent the 7 Teachings. To add a personal touch, each student painted their initials onto the mural. While the final layers of paint have slightly concealed them, the initials remain a subtle yet meaningful testament to the students' contributions.
This mural project was an enriching experience, combining artistic expression with cultural learning and teamwork. The completed piece not only embodies the essence of the 7 Teachings but also honors the creativity and dedication of the young artists who brought it to life.
These teachings are intricately connected and form the foundation of a balanced and harmonious life, centered on respect, care, and responsibility. Traditionally shared through storytelling, ceremonies, and daily practices in Indigenous communities, these teachings are now also celebrated through this mural.
Kildonan Park Public Art
6 Animals and 7 Floral Motifs, Kildonan Park, 2024
(6 pillars, 16" by 99 ", outdoors)
This public art piece was commissioned by Parks and Recreation’s Parks and Open Space division at the City of Winnipeg and is now proudly displayed in Kildonan Park. The project features six columns, each adorned with an animal of personal and cultural significance. These animals honor my six immediate family members on my mother's side who have passed away, creating a deeply meaningful connection between the artwork, my family, and the land.
Each column features a unique animal: Deer (Waawaashkeshi), Turtle (Mikinaak), Beaver (Amik), Owl (Gookoo’ook), Hawk (Keke), and Fox (Waagosh). To further enrich the storytelling, the animals are labeled with their names written in Ojibwe dialect syllabics. This detail pays homage to my Anishinaabe heritage, weaving language, memory, and art into one cohesive piece. The process of integrating language into the visuals was intentional, aiming to create an immersive experience for viewers while revitalizing traditional knowledge.
The project took a full week to complete and required careful logistical planning. I began by designing the artwork digitally using Procreate on my iPad. Once finalized, the designs were brought to life with hand-painted details using a methodical approach. I first primed the columns for durability, then layered exterior paints to ensure the vibrant colors would withstand Winnipeg's climate. Finally, each piece was sealed with a flat finish to preserve and protect the artwork for years to come.
This project was a labor of love, combining modern technology and traditional storytelling with physical artistry. I hope visitors to Kildonan Park enjoy these pieces and feel inspired by the stories they carry. These animals are not just symbols; they represent resilience, connection, and the enduring bond between family, culture, and nature.
Ojibwe Floral Mural
This project, completed for the Anish Healing Centre’s new property, involved transforming four 3/4 x 8-foot panels into a vibrant column mural. The design features Ojibwe floral motifs and raspberry vines, celebrating traditional Anishinaabe artistry while bringing a modern touch to the space.
Creating this mural was as much about physical endurance as it was about artistic precision. Painting high and low, adjusting the projector, and working up and down a ladder required focus and resilience. Every detail of the design was hand-painted using brushes and interior paints, a process that demanded careful attention to ensure smooth and even application.
The line work, inspired by Ojibwe florals, was especially challenging. The intricate geometry needed to create harmonious, interlocking shapes for flowers and vines is incredibly time-consuming and requires a steady hand. I have immense respect for beaders, whose precision and dedication inspired me throughout this project. While I painted these designs, the complexity of the patterns reminded me of the artistry and care embedded in traditional beadwork.
This mural is a testament to the beauty of cultural expression through art. It was a rewarding experience to bring this vision to life, combining the physicality of the work with the precision and patience required to honor the details of Anishinaabe design.
