The Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch, is celebrating the unveiling of a meaningful new mural with the community, called The Journey in Healing Ourselves by Anishinaabe and Muskego artist, Alicia Kejick.

The beautiful eight-by-nine-foot mural greets visitors in the lobby of the CMHA offices in downtown Kenora. Kejick is a self-taught artist from Iskatewizaagegan #39 First Nation whose art is inspired by honouring her Indigenous culture and way of life. The mural features a high-flying eagle, a bear, and a turtle, which represent love, bravery, and truth respectively.

“When people visit CMHA, they share their truth, their story,” Kejick said. “The story of this scene [in the mural] is to honour the journey we take in healing ourselves. Asking for support can be a difficult thing to accept, and in turn, when we do take the next step to healing, we tap into certain strengths – represented here by the eagle, bear, turtle, and their inherent Grandfather teachings.”

“The people who come into CMHA have a great sense of courage and strength to meet their fears and challenges,” she said. “The meaning of the art not only speaks to people who come to CMHA for support, it is for the organization. With CMHA being a vessel for supporting people in their healing journey, I wanted to honour that their work allows people to heal and let the mural be a kind reminder.

Miigwech to CMHA Kenora for their support and their trust.” “We are so grateful to Alicia for her talent and wisdom. Everybody’s trajectory for recovery is very different, and recognizing these differences creates an inclusive community that supports mental health, addictions and the continuum of health,” said CMHA Kenora CEO Sara Dias. “That is why we love Alicia’s work so much – it really embodies that the journey to recovery is your own to take. At CMHA, we work daily to help each individual on their own unique journey to recovery.”

“This mural is so welcoming; it really lifts everyone’s spirits when they enter the building.” CMHA Kenora offers culturally appropriate services by partnering with a variety of Indigenous organizations to ensure that mental health and addictions needs are met in the community.

CMHA Kenora has also created cards with the mural image to share Alicia’s message of healing and hope.

The branch will host an open house soon to invite members of the community and media to see it in person.

Members of the community:

Please contact Sara Dias, CMHA Kenora CEO, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on the open house, or to order cards for your organization.

Members of the media:

Please contact Tammy Thorne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange an interview or photo shoot.

An image of the mural by Alicia Kejick. Please reach out if you require a higher resolution image.