Where the East and West Kootenays meet, the land holds a quiet strength—a place shaped by mountains, rivers, and generations of footsteps. Here, a group of youth is learning that the health of the earth and all its beings is closely tied to their own well-being. They’re coming together to create a mural in the heart of a courtyard—an offering of beauty and intention that reflects their connection to this place. Through their artwork, they are honoring the ancestors who cared for this land before them and making a promise to help restore and protect it for those yet to come. Every brushstroke is a gesture of care, a reflection of their commitment to bring the land back to balance.
With guidance from a young Indigenous artist, the steady wisdom of an Elder who shares teachings like “all is welcome” and “go where you are loved,” and a youth coordinator who gently weaves everything together, the youth are building something lasting. Their hope is to complete the mural before the snow returns—leaving behind not just a work of art, but a message of love, responsibility, and hope for the future.