Brampton Fire Staton 207
The City of Brampton hired STEPS to facilitate this mural by artists Mo Thunder, Saphera Peters, and Jennifer Messon for the Brampton Fire Station 207.
Project at a glance
Location: 75 Vodden St E, Brampton, ON L6V 1T4
Artist: Mo Thunder, Saphera Peters, and Jennifer Messon
Documentarian: Herman Custodio, Joel Din
Year: 2023
Service: Public Art Management
1
community trail walk
3
artists
1
public mural
1424
sq ft of artwork
About the project
This mural on the side of Brampton Fire Station 207 was crafted with inspiration drawn from a community walk along the Etobicoke Creek Trail. Led by Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours founder Alan Colley, students from nearby schools, Indigenous artist Mo Thunder, and Brampton Fire and Emergency Services staff explored medicinal plants, fire teachings, Indigenous histories, and storytelling.
The learnings from the walk were later integrated into the mural’s design, mirroring the teachings that resonated most with students. In autumn 2023, Mo Thunder, assisted by emerging Brampton artist Saphera Peters and Indigenous artist Jennifer Messon, painted this mural.
Artist Statement
o·tsísteˀ / ishkode
the fire that burns in our hearts
is also the passion deep within our bones
sizzling embers ignite compassionate spirits that walk on the land
with intention, curiosity and care
thunder beings bring water
where steam and smoke rise through rainbow medicine flickering through the sky
Sumac
burdock
elderberry
milkweed
and willow plant medicines provide
and grandfathers support us
to carry hope for the next generation
About the artists
Mo Thunder
Mo Thunder
Mo Thunder Bedard (they/them) is a queer, nonbinary/fluid, neurodivergent multidisciplinary artist and facilitator based in T’karonto (Toronto). They’re Haudenosaunee (Oneida Nation of the Thames), French-Canadian and Anishinaabe (Aamjiwnaang First Nation). Mo is also inspired by intergenerational connections and healing, family and memories, personal and collective empowerment, and all of creation, especially skyworld.
Saphera Peters
Saphera Peters is an illustrator based in Brampton, Canada, who brings joy to others through vibrant colours and dynamic compositions inspired by South Asian culture.
Jennifer Messon
Jennifer Messon is a two-spirited Indigenous artist, born and raised in Toronto. They work with different mediums such as painting and traditional beadwork. They have contributed to many individual and collaborative murals throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Partners
We are thankful for the many collaborators who made this mural possible:
The Indigenous Network, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, Nibi Emosaawdang Public School, Gordon Graydon Sr. Public School
This project was in partnership with the City of Brampton
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