An Indigenous Culture and Wellness Room has opened up at Foran Mining Corporation’s McIlvenna Bay Project.

The Room is a dedicated space for smudging ceremonies and other cultural practices, featuring a Treaty Map, Star Blanket, a Medicine Wheel floor rug, and the Seven Teachings in Cree syllabics and English.

The walls are lined with four murals representing the seasons, painted by Pelican Narrows man, George Custer.

Chief Peter Beatty of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation says, “This room is a testament to our collaboration with Foran. It provides a safe sanctuary for our First Nation
employees to practice our traditions, while also serving as an educational resource
for others to learn about our culture that will foster respect.”

The area gives Indigenous workers a place to engage in spiritual traditions and cultural activities while on the job and aims to promote a sense of belonging and well-being.

Photo: Peter Ballentyne Cree Nation-Foran