Murdoch MacKay Students Install Meaningful Art at John W. Gunn

On a sunny day this spring, John W. Gunn Middle School welcomed a group of talented high school students from Murdoch MacKay Collegiate, led by their teacher Christine Hay, to install a meaningful addition to their playground—a beautifully painted set of panels for their gaga ball pits (gaga ball is a variant of dodgeball played in a pit). 

The students worked diligently for several months to design and paint each panel by hand, with every piece of artwork representing one of the Seven Sacred Teachings—a set of traditional Indigenous values including love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, and truth. 

Each panel was created with thoughtful intention, showcasing vibrant artwork and powerful messages rooted in Indigenous culture. To celebrate the completion of the project, the group gathered for a pizza lunch and refreshments, where students had the opportunity to connect, reflect, and place their panels where they felt they best belonged. 

With great care and teamwork, they helped install each one, transforming the gaga ball pit into a space that now not only promotes physical activity, but also celebrates reconciliation, creativity, and community. 

This was made possible by a grant from the Fund the Future program established by the University of Manitoba Faculty of Education Student Council.