Mar 10 • 21:46 UTC 🇨🇦 Canada Global News

‘A pleasant discovery’: Historic mural restored at Edmonton housing conversion site

A historic mural celebrating Indigenous peoples in Edmonton has been restored and is now on display after being hidden for over 30 years during renovations of the former Charles Camsell hospital.

The historic mural, which represents the history of Indigenous peoples in Edmonton and was originally unveiled in 1967, has now been restored and displayed in the redeveloped site of the former Charles Camsell hospital. The mural had been covered for over 30 years with plywood but was rediscovered when renovations to the hospital began. Architect Gene Dub expressed the joy of discovering the mural, noting its significant recognition as one of Canada’s great murals.

The hospital, which operated until 1996, underwent a series of developments necessary for its transformation into a new housing site, with the city’s heritage unit advocating for the mural's preservation and restoration. The restoration process involved cleaning the mural, removing glue and other substances that covered it, and replacing damaged tiles. Fortunately, despite its long period of concealment, the mural remained largely intact and was able to be preserved for future generations.

This restoration not only reflects the importance of acknowledging Indigenous history but also highlights the city's commitment to heritage conservation in redevelopment projects. The mural now serves as a reminder of the rich cultural history of Indigenous peoples in Edmonton, contributing to the city's narrative and ensuring that it is visible to the public once again, thus living up to its legacy as a significant artwork in Canada.

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