Highlighting Tradition and Culture
Artist: Clare Butterfly
A vibrant new sidewalk mural has arrived in Sylvan Lake! You’ll find it along 49th Avenue, right across from the NexSource Centre. Created by artist Clare Butterfly, the piece is rooted in the traditional colours of the Medicine Wheel, red, yellow, black, and white, and tells a story of the land, the waters, and the history that surrounds our community.
West – “Where the Sun Goes Down”
The Cree word for West, Paksimotah-ocek, translates to “where the sun goes down.” In this quadrant, the artist captures the sun setting over the Medicine River, grounding the mural in a sense of place and reflection.
South – Rivers That Shape the Landscape
Flowing south is the connection between the Medicine River and the Red Deer River, known in Cree as Weyaskasoo Sipi, or “Elk River.” This real-world connection sits directly south of Sylvan Lake along Highway 781 and is a beautiful reminder of the landscapes that frame our region.
East – The Wolf’s Track Trail
The eastern quadrant highlights the historic Ekote Muhekan Ek Ke Pimohtet, the Wolf’s Track trail, an ancient Indigenous trail that once stretched all the way to New Mexico! It crosses the Red Deer River at Fort Normandeau. The multicoloured footprints represent the traditional Southern colours: red, yellow, black, and white.
North – Medicine Hills & the Bison
To the north, the mural honours the Medicine Hills and features a striking bison, anchoring the artwork in the stories and geography of central Alberta.
The entire piece carries a Cree-inspired aesthetic, using blue and white prominently throughout to tie the imagery together. Whether you connect with the stories, the colours, or the artistry itself, this mural is sure to brighten your day. Take a walk by and experience it for yourself!