Bay St. George, St. John’s RCMP supporting new Indigenous art works in detachments

BAY ST. GEORGE, N.L. — The Bay St. George RCMP Detachment has commissioned local Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse to create a new art installment for their Wellness Room.

The piece called Peace – Wantago’ti Mural is of a bear, salmon, and the Mi’kmaq Star, which represents the Bay St. George Area, said RCMP.

The bear and the salmon soak in the sun, embracing beauty, calmness, tranquility and harmony in their environment.

The eight-pointed star honours all cultures and is an important Mi’kmaq symbol.

The work of policing can be intense and difficult, and having this wellness space for RCMP employees supports them when they need to step away for a few moments, said Staff Sgt. Bennett.

“The incredible art created by Marcus reflects the culture of many area residents, but also of eight of our detachment employees who are Indigenous,” said Bennett.

“The Wellness Room also contains a smudge bowl and medicines for those who wish to partake in a cleanse during work hours.”

 

The Wellness Room is a space for employees to rest and reflect as needed, and the new art is meant to support them in their work.

Gosse also created a piece of art for the RCMP NL Headquarters in St. John’s, which was revealed during the event on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

The painting canvas, Courage – Mlkikno’ti is displayed near the front entrance of the police headquarters.

Gosse described the painting as two bears reflecting not only physically but spiritually. The bear symbolizes strength, courage, protection, patience and other traits.

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