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IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Art and culture are coming to life in the hallways of Mohawk College

While it’s been on the wall since late summer, we’re excited to invite the community to a casual mural unveiling on January 28 — a chance to celebrate this vibrant piece of art and what it means for our community. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to stop by throughout the day to view the mural and take it in.

Over the summer, the MSA commissioned Cayuga Woodland artist Kyle Joedicke to create a mural on both sides of the hallway between the MSA Student Centre and DBARC.

While it’s been on the wall since late summer, we’re excited to invite the community to a casual mural unveiling on January 28 — a chance to celebrate this vibrant piece of art and what it means for our community. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to stop by throughout the day to view the mural and take it in.

One side of the hallway mural featuring trees and people.

The Intention Behind the Mural

The mural was created to bring Indigenous perspectives and storytelling into a daily space at Mohawk College. It speaks to connection, learning, and community in ways that reflect the student experience at the College. Through rich colour and symbolic imagery, the mural represents both the values that make up the MSA as well as messaging that resonates with many students — from belonging and identity to shared journeys and resilience.

Project lead April Chiro shared that the mural was part of a broader effort to ensure the Student Centre reflects the community it serves.

“We wanted to make visual changes to our Student Centre that helped to create an atmosphere of belonging, inclusion, and one that represented our student body and community.”

She emphasized the role Indigenous art plays in learning, awareness, and representation on campus.

“Indigenous art pieces such as this mural not only honour the land on which our Student Centre stands, but it helps to support learning and awareness about the culture. It strengthens Indigenous voices and celebrates a tradition and beautiful style of art.”

Kyle painting a tree into the mural.

About the Artist – Kyle Joedicke

Kyle Joedicke is a Cayuga Woodland artist based in Hamilton, Ontario. His work bridges traditional Indigenous stories with contemporary visual energy, using vibrant colour and powerful imagery to share teachings and cultural perspectives.

Born and raised in Caledonia with roots in the Six Nations of the Grand River, Kyle is largely self-taught, beginning his art journey through graffiti. Over the past decade he has translated that early energy into large-scale murals that speak to identity, community, and heritage.

His work has been featured across Hamilton and beyond and includes community murals and collaborations with organizations such as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Forge FC, and universities in the region.

View of the hallway from DBARC into the MSA Student Centre showing both sides of the mural.

Other Ways to Connect with Indigenous Culture This Term

If you’re inspired by the mural and want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Indigenous traditions, consider checking out these opportunities:

Traditional Game (Lacrosse) Workshop

  • Hosted with Onkwehonewe Games, this workshop offers an active way to engage with Indigenous cultural practice and history.

Toronto Rock vs. Ottawa Black Bears, Indigenous Heritage Night

  • Join other students in celebrating Indigenous heritage through sport and community on this special game night.

This piece is more than a mural; it is an invitation to pause, reflect, and engage with the stories and perspectives that shape our community. Placed in a space students pass through every day, it serves as a reminder that art, culture, and learning don’t only live in classrooms.

Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or walking by it on your way to class, we invite you to take a moment to experience the mural and reflect on the stories it holds. The MSA is proud to support work that centres Indigenous voices and contributes to a more inclusive and meaningful campus experience.

 
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