Indigenous culture inspires new Saskatoon bus shelter

A group of Saskatoon students have designed a new bus shelter at Broadway Avenue and 12th Street inspired by Indigenous values and teachings.

The Nutana Collegiate students worked with Elder Harry Lafond to make the design.

It incorporates the four seasons, community, healing, love, and other concepts.

He believes the project is helpful in fighting Indigenous stereotypes.

“It’s really uplifting because young people are so talented, and we very seldom recognize their talents,” Lafond said.

He thinks it’s a great opportunity for learning and growth for the students.

“It gives a place for these young people to give, to give to Saskatoon in a very visual and lasting way,” he said. “It gives a sense of hope, a sense that there’s a good future for us.”

Students from the Nutana Collegiate Industry and Career Education program along with @stoontransit unveiled the new student-designed bus shelter at 12th Street and Broadway Ave. on Thursday. The students worked with Elder Harry Lafond to create the design. #spslearn #BeHere pic.twitter.com/qy4ENVQIWC

— Saskatoon Public (@StoonPubSchools) June 21, 2019

Nutana Collegiate’s Faith Willetts was one of the students that worked with Lafond.

She was glad to contribute to a permanent fixture in her community.

“It was actually really fun, me and my classmates had a good time. We were laughing, drawing, putting our ideas together,” she said.

Transit director Jim McDonald said the project is a part of answering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.

“This shelter is yet another example of moving toward a more inclusive, responsive, and welcoming transit system,” he said.

It’s specifically meant to answer Call to Action 79, which recommends integrating Indigenous history, heritage values, and memory practices into Canada’s history.