Tim Sikkema says he grew up not knowing much about Indigenous history and culture, so it was important for him to bring his children to a walking tour where they could learn more about the history behind the murals in downtown Timmins.
Sikkema and his two daughters, Devra and Gavriella, were among two dozen people who attended the tour Wednesday. It was was organized by the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre in light of Treaties Recognition Week.
It was led by Coun. Kristin Murray, who talked about the history and meanings behind some of the murals.
Sikkema, who moved to Timmins from Hamilton three years ago, especially liked the mural at city hall as it seemed a prominent place to have a First Nations’ perspective represented.
“You see nice pictures but it’s good to know some of the meaning behind it. It’s great to learn about it,” Sikkema said. “It’s really important not to block out perspectives that are not your own. It’s important to learn about other cultures.”
The mural project involving youth started in 2018. The majority of murals were spray-painted by Métissée Franco-Ontarian artist Mique Michelle.
What was supposed to start as a project with only two murals has expanded into about 15 murals spread across the city.
The tour started from the Timmins Museum and included stops at the city hall, the Porcupine Advance, Gibby's, Timmins Flower Shop, Guardian Health Care Pharmacy, the wall at Birch South Street, and an alley on Spruce Street South between Algonquin and Third Avenue.
Another tour participant Pat Pope said he joined the event because he was interested in learning the stories about the murals. He said it was interesting to learn the artist Michelle was from Ottawa and to hear how the funding for the project was received.
“I’m impressed with the city, that they were able to find space. That the owners of the buildings agreed. It’s really nice to see all the murals up on those walls, otherwise it’s a waste of space,” he said.
Pope said murals add to the downtown and brighten it up.
“It’s very good for the city. It’s good for a lot of people who don’t have the money or the interest in going to galleries and seeing art. To see them on the wall when you’re walking or driving around Timmins, it’s good, ” he said.
Another tour is planned Saturday, Nov. 6, starting at 2 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required. The Saturday tour won’t include a stop at the city hall because the city is closed on the weekend.
The Timmins Museum can be contacted at 705-360-2617.
