The Project
The University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine identified a disconnect between their values and the student experience in one of its main communal study areas. The space was sterile, lacking access to natural light or warmth, particularly during winter. This was in direct contrast to what students were learning about the importance of therapeutic spaces that support rest, focus, and well-being. We then conducted engagement with students, staff and faculty where we used visual prompts and open discussion to gather input on the concepts. Guided by feedback, we refined the final design in collaboration with Elders and students, inspired by their vision for the new space. In March 2025, the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine unveiled the mural at a ceremony with students, faculty and staff, our team and Elders. In transforming the space, the mural communicated a clear message: This is a place where all students—especially Indigenous students—can feel seen, supported, and grounded.
We used the student feedback, best practices from rehabilitation medicine, and guidance from Elders to refine the mural design concept, Stories from Mother Earth, – a colourful, illustrative outdoor scene that included animals, nature, land and a river running throughout. Our preliminary research validated the design, finding that: Environmental psychology and colour theory supported the use of warm, bright tones to improve mood and cognitive engagement, land-based healing and reconciliation practices showed the importance of visual recognition of Indigenous connections to land and culture, the Kawa Model, a Japanese healing model in rehabilitation medicine which uses the metaphor of a river to represent human life, aligns with Indigenous worldviews and holistic care and trees and circle symbolism drawn from community feedback, particularly the Mother Earth and Healing Stories concepts that resonated deeply with Indigenous students and Elders.
Illustration: Presley Mills + Gela Cabrera Loa
Creative Director: Presley Mills
Created at pipikwan pêhtâkwan
