Mural aims to merge Indigenous cultures

By Lethbridge Herald on March 21, 2025.

Jesus Eduardo Gonzalez Lopez speaks alongside Leroy Little Bear during the unveiling of the mural “Little Bear and Brother Jaguar” on Thursday morning at the University of Lethbridge. Herald photo by Alexandra Noad

Alexandra Noad – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An artwork which tells the story of two Indigenous peoples, from different nations but with the same purpose to convey cultural values, was unveiled on Thursday morning at the Iikaisskini Gathering Centre at the University of Lethbridge.

The mural was created by Jesus Eduardo Gonzalez Lopez when he met Leroy Little Bear (Iikaisskini-Low Horn) at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity, during a residency he received from National Fund for Culture and the Arts.

His work is titled The Little Bear and Brother Jaguar.

Lopez says his idea for the project was to unite and merge the cultures of First Nations in Canada and his community in the Mystic Territory of Mexico.

“My work focuses on enhancing and celebrating the visibility of Indigenous Symbols and signs that foster a dialogue between diverse cultures,” says Lopez. “It is about creating a brotherhood between two nations-The Blackfoot Confederacy and the brotherhood of the Rain People.”

The mural displays Leroy Little Bear on the left and Modesto Hilario Lopez (Brother Jaguar) on the right, with a grizzly bear underneath Little Bear and a Jaguar under Modest Hilario Lopez. In the middle of the mural there is a buffalo, which is significant in Blackfoot culture.

When Lopez was finished painting the mural, he gifted it to Little Bear who then donated it the Iikaisskini to be displayed in the gathering centre.

Little Bear described the unveiling as the mural’s official arrival to the university, even though it has been displayed for a while.

“Even though the beautiful work of art over here has been here for a little bit, it seems like it’s now arrived with our artist that actually did us the honour.”

The Iikaisskini Gathering Centre was opened in 2014 and was named after Little Bear who was serving as an advisor for the president of the University. It is described as a special space at the university as a tie to Blackfoot and other Indigenous community.