Honouring Truth and Reconciliation through Collaborative Art
Every September 30, communities across Canada come together for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to honour the lives lost, the survivors of residential schools, and the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It is also a time to reflect, to listen, and to stand in solidarity with local Indigenous businesses and artists in our community.
Honouring the sacred land of New Westminster
Long before this territory we proudly live in and are a part of was named “New Westminster,” these sacred lands along the banks of the Fraser River were home to Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. We respect the deep connection, history, and resilience that the Qayqayt First Nation and many Halkomelem-speaking peoples have with the land we now refer to as Downtown New West.
As members of the Downtown New Westminster community, we are all on a shared journey of reconciliation and learning. One way we can walk this path together is by uplifting and supporting local Indigenous business owners and artists.
On this important day, we invite everyone to take a moment to reflect on the history of this place, to listen and learn, and to honour the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples.
Looking With Love: A Community Mural
Have you recently walked by the corner of Columbia St and Mackenzie St?
Did you notice deer prints on the sidewalk going all the way down to Front St?
These deer prints invite you to explore our neighbourhood in a brand new way, leading to the mural “Looking With Love A Bird’s Eye View.”
This piece was born from a vision of Indigenous artist and founder of the Native Art Renaissance Foundation (NARF), James Groening, who also goes by his true name Blue Sky.
Inspired by love, unity, and community connection, James designed the main concepts and invited members of our community to bring the artwork to life. The mural itself is a vibrant masterpiece that blends symbols of love and diversity. From the reimagined Pride flag colours to contributions from local business members like Moodswing Coffee + Bar, community organizations, and even passersby, this mural truly belongs to everyone.
James shares the heart of his vision:
“In the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the eagle is often the symbol of love. In my mural, I wanted love to be the central focus... We don’t exist in isolation, we’re part of something larger. Imagine a world where we looked at one another through the lens of love. Not fear, not judgment, but love. How different might our headlines be?”
This mural is more than public art—it is a reminder of the threads that connect us all.
According to Blue Sky, the central piece, which is an eagle and a face looking out towards the observer, invites people to a personal connection. Through the edges of the mural, forming a full circle, you will also notice different characters, all intentionally interconnected to represent our community’s unified diversity, where each one of us is unique, but part of the same living fabric. In Blue Sky’s optic, by flourishing authentically, we empower others to do the same.
About the Artist: James Groening / Blue Sky
James Groening (Blue Sky) is a New Westminster-based artist from the Kahkewistahaw Band, Turtle Island. Adopted by his white grandparents during the Sixties Scoop, James grew up in a farm community in Plains Cree Territory (Manitoba). Despite early disconnection from his roots, he carried his Indigenous name, Blue Sky, given to him by his grandfather.
Later in life, James reconnected with his maternal family and heritage, which inspired him to reclaim his Indigeneity through art. Today, he operates the Native Art Renaissance Foundation (NARF) at 721 Carnarvon St, New Westminster—a gallery and cultural hub where Indigenous artists share their work and stories with the community.
This year, James has also designed Orange Shirts, available for purchase at NARF, for those who wish to wear orange and a symbol of their support on September 30.
Walking Together: Truth & Reconciliation in Business
Want to learn more about James Groening journey as an Indigenous business owner, and how you can support Indigenous colleagues and reconciliation?
Join James and the Downtown New West BIA's Executive Director, Angelene Prakash, for a Q&A session at Waves Wednesday "Walking Together: Truth & Reconciliation in Business".
When: Wednesday, October 1st
Time: 7:30 am - 9 am
Where: Waves Coffee House - 715 Columbia St
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT!
About Waves Wednesday: A monthly event series presented by the New West Chamber in partnership with the Downtown New West BIA, and hosted by Waves Coffee House.
Standing in Solidarity
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not just a date—it is an ongoing call to action. As a community, let’s continue to learn, reflect, and support Indigenous voices and artists who share their stories through art, culture, and resilience.
This September 30, visit downtown New West, join us in honouring the truth, carrying forward reconciliation, and walking together in love.
Explore Indigenous Murals in Downtown New West
Discover other powerful murals in our neighbourhood created by local Indigenous artists:
