This unusual and visually stunning mural was painted by Anishinaabe Aki, who spent his early years in the Rat Portage Reserve. The Rat Portage Reserve is located in the northern portion of the Lake of the Woods near Kenora, Ontario. This wrap-around mural honors the traditions and life of the Ojibway, one of the first peoples of this area. One side depicts hunting and gathering traditions, and the other side shows spiritual life and a sacred feast in a médewin lodge. The name of the current nation that lives in this area is the Obashkaandagaang, but they are also known as Ojibwe, Chippewa and Anishinaab.

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Photographed by Rod Ness, 9/3/06
Posted on RoadTrip America 11/06