the John howard society
“the eagle’s gift”
Created by Kalum Teke Dan and Ryan Jason Allen Willert, for the John Howard Society, this mural addresses the deep-rooted issues faced by many Indigenous people today. The backdrop of Chief Mountain stands as a sacred symbol, where a traditional holy man offers prayers through his sacred pipe, uniting its stem and bowl to embody honesty. The smoke from the pipe channels energy to the soaring eagle spirit, allowing it to hear the prayers and calls for healing. To the right of the mural, a chief bows his head in reflection, mirrored by an eagle perched on his staff, both acknowledging the weight of the past. This mural represents the connection between past, present, and future, emphasizing the opportunity for second chances and the hope of looking forward.
“Modernization and colonization have left many of our warriors without purpose, leading them to end up in places like prison”
This artwork is a call to action—an invitation to look inward, reconnect with cultural values, and find healing within. Through the visual storytelling in "The Eagle’s Gift," the artists aim to inspire those who feel lost to rediscover their heritage and find strength in their identity. This message of cultural reconnection is vital to the process of healing from the impacts of colonization.