Moving Forward

Located on the south-facing walls of the Dream building, “Moving Forward” by Métis mural artist Kent Ness seeks to honour and celebrate the history of Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan.

Artist’s Statement:
“The mural depicts two Plains Cree riders on horseback, moving across the grasslands with a prairie sunset in the background. The staggered perspectives of the riders illustrate our movement as a collective society, from past to future; the rider at the rear is looking back over his shoulder — into the past — suggesting that with forward movement, we also acknowledge the deep and rich foundation that existed on this land before the great city of Saskatoon. While forward motion is a key theme in reconciliation, it is equally critical to celebrate and pay respects to our past. Wildflowers are the overarching theme between the two murals, and I’ve chosen to highlight a few that hold special significance to the Indigenous people of Saskatchewan, utilizing them to create a border that serves as a window to times past. The messages that I hope to convey are ones of pride, strength, progression, and wonder; to create a mural that people of all races and from.”