Telling stories through art: Student channels Indigenous culture onto the canvas

For Nevin Jarvis, art is many things – it’s a way to connect with her Indigenous culture, to celebrate the stories her grandfather has shared with her, and it’s an important outlet that supports her mental well-being.
The current Lakeland College energy student has been painting for her whole life. When she was commissioned to create an image celebrating Lakeland College to be featured in the newly-renamed Indigenous Student Lounge, she was honoured.
“My culture is really important to my art,” Jarvis, a Cree artist from Lloydminster, Alta., explains. “My grandpa doesn’t tell us many stories, but when he does, we really cling to them. He would always take us out when there was a meteor shower or something because he loves the stars and the lights. He would tell us stories and I tried to put all of those vivid colours onto the canvas.”
Jarvis collaborated with Tinisha Young, Lakeland’s Indigenous supports manager, on how to weave together different elements to represent the college in the custom artwork she created for the lounge.
In the end, she created a bright, vivid piece of art, rich with symbolism and texture. Lakeland’s story is woven into each element of the painting. The painting has been turned into a mural displayed on the windows of the lounge.
The different schools are each symbolically represented in the painting. Three hills represent agricultural sciences, environmental sciences and energy. A solidary braided figure represents health and wellness. A Câpân (great grandparent) holding hands with a Câpân (great grandchild)—a term meaning "the one who holds my hand" and used interchangeably between the two—represents human services. Their hand holding gesture also symbolizes inclusive education.
There is a person finger painting, which represents the interior design program, and a bone scraping tool for trades. The tool lays beside a campfire, representing the fire and emergency services program. An eagle feather represents knowledge and symbolizes the business program and an arrow near the tools and fire represents university transfer and all the directions students can take.
The Otêhimina (strawberry) plants incorporated throughout the painting are interconnected plants, linked by a network of leaves, runners and roots, represent growth and the many pathways available to those pursuing continuing education. They represent continuing education and foundational learning as well. In Indigenous culture, strawberry plants are often referred to as the “heart berry.”
The painting also features the northern lights in the sky, and incorporated into them are the animals of the Seven Grandfather Teachings: The beaver for wisdom, the eagle for love, the buffalo for respect, the bear for courage, Bigfoot for honesty, the wolf for humility, and the turtle for truth.
Together, the elements create the idea of Otôtemiwewin (friendship), which is the new name for the Indigenous Student Lounge on Lloydminster campus. The new name was unveiled and celebrated at a ceremony on Jan. 15.
Using her art as an outlet for her creativity is important to Jarvis. She explains, “It’s so important that if you have any kind of ideas, just put them on paper and see what you can make. Having an outlet for my creativity is so good for my mental wellbeing.”
Jarvis creates paintings and other art, showcasing her work on her Instagram account. She has been commissioned to create other paintings in the past, as well as a small mural featured at the community garden in Lloydminster.
Prints of her Otôtemiwewin (Friendship) painting are available in the Lakeland College bookstores and online.