Interior Health was able to collaborate with local Indigenous artist Darcy Luke/Roshau in the creation of a new mural welcoming patients to Invermere and District Hospital’s emergency department.

The idea for the mural was first brought forward in September 2023. It was championed by local physician Dr. JoyAnne Krupa, who has a keen interest in promoting artwork in clinical spaces, as it has a positive impact on both patients and visitors in health care facilities.

“The presence of Indigenous art in waiting rooms with local language sends the message that everyone is welcome. Healthcare has historically been part of colonial oppression, and we recognize that. We want our hospital to be a safe place. It is now also more vibrant and beautiful thanks to Darcy’s work,” said Dr. Krupa.

Krupa applied for the Cultural Safety and Humility Grant through the BC College of Family Physicians. She was able to secure funding for the installation of art commissioned by Darcy Luke/Roshau as well as through consultation and collaboration with local First Nations.

“This mural was inspired by the Ktunaxa phrase ‘ʔukiniǂwiytiyaǂa,’ meaning ‘to do something with one heart.’ I thought that was so fitting for this space because those working in the medical field really do everything with their hearts and have one main goal in mind – healing. For me, art is healing, in both creation and in perception. Healing spaces deserve healing art,” said mural artist Darcy Luke/Roshau.

The mural includes welcome greetings in both traditional Ktunaxa and Secwepemctsín languages. Both languages are part of the mural to represent the two nations that call the area the hospital serves home.

The Ktunaxa phrase on the mural is Hu sukiⱡq̓ukni kin wam, tkxamin, which translates to “I’m glad you are here, come in.”

Tisha Tardif with the language team of the Shuswap band locally also provided a greeting in Secwepemctsín for the mural, Weyt-kp Xwexwéytep! Le7 es wíktelme, ts7úllcwe!, which translates to “Hello everyone! It is good to see you all, come in!”

Darcy Luke/Roshau is a self-taught Ktunaxa artist who specializes in creating traditional art. Each item she produces is meticulously hand crafted, reflecting her passion for preserving and celebrating traditional art forms. You can view more of Darcy’s work here.

Located in Invermere, B.C., the Invermere and District Hospital is a Level 1 community hospital in the East Kootenay health service area. The hospital offers services including acute care, laboratory, and 24-hour emergency services.

Lead image: A new mural welcomes visitors to the Emergency Department at Invermere and District Hospital in traditional Ktunaxa and Secwepemctsín languages. Pictured L to R: mural artist Darcy Luke/Roshau and Dr. JoyAnne Krupa. Photos submitted

Interior Health

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