September 29, 2025
Artist Kaitlin Littlechilds poses in front of Coming Together-Mamawinitiwin, one of three paintings on display at the Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre. Her canvas depicts a traditional male dancer, female jingle dancer, an eagle, Red River cart and Métis sash. Supplied.
These three paintings were created by Kaitlin Littlechilds, centre, a Métis artist from the Kikino Metis Settlement, and have been on display at the Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre since May. Lisa Sparks, left, site manager, and Natalie Cloutier, right, care manager, recently met with Littlechilds to unveil her artwork in the centre’s main foyer. Supplied.
Story by Logan Clow
LAC LA BICHE — New paintings on display at the Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre symbolize a commitment to inclusivity, reconciliation and community connection.
Three paintings created by Kaitlin Littlechilds, a local Métis artist from the Kikino Metis Settlement, have been on display in the facility’s main foyer since May.
“These paintings represent our continued commitment towards reconciliation, and ensuring we are offering a culturally safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for Indigenous Peoples,” says Lisa Sparks, site manager.
“The paintings are captivating and beautifully capture the history and culture of our local Indigenous communities. I hope these paintings offer a warm welcome to Indigenous Peoples who visit our facility.”
While meeting with local Indigenous stakeholders in the community a few months ago, Sparks came across artwork on display in the meeting space. The artwork had been created by Littlechilds.
“I was super impressed when I first saw Kaitlin’s artwork, Sparks adds. “At that time, we had been thinking about how our healthcare centre’s foyer area could be updated to be more visually appealing and welcoming. I thought Kaitlin’s artistry would look great in our facility.”
After the stakeholder meeting, she connected with Littlechilds to discuss a display for the foyer.
“My only request had been that we wanted the artwork to be representative of our Indigenous residents and communities. The rest was left up to Kaitlin’s artistic discretion,” says Sparks.
In June, the paintings were formally unveiled at the facility. Littlechilds’ paintings were purchased with a grant from Health Excellence Canada.
“When I walked in and saw my paintings on display for the first time, it brought me so much joy. They really make the space feel more welcoming,” says Littlechilds, a full-time artist.
The first painting is called Coming Together-Mamawinitiwin. It depicts a male traditional dancer, a female jingle dancer, an eagle, Red River cart and Métis sash. These are common symbols and traditions in Indigenous and Métis cultures.
The second painting, Hope In The Darkness, depicts a sweat lodge, a sacred space used by Indigenous peoples for prayers, healing and spiritual ceremonies.
Sound of Celebration, her third painting, depicts both a fiddle and Métis dancers, which are both deeply rooted in Métis culture and history.
Littlechilds adds: “With these paintings, I really wanted each of them to honour our community, which is home to many Indigenous Peoples. I hope the paintings offer comfort to our Indigenous community members when they visit the hospital.”
Posted next to each painting is a description card with a brief explanation of the artwork's significance.
“I hope these paintings serve as a reminder to our staff, patients and community about our commitment to improving the care experience and health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples,” says Sparks. “We are extremely proud to display these paintings.”
In addition to purchasing the artwork, the facility has also used Health Excellence Canada grant funding to offer Indigenous awareness education training for staff, physicians and community members, as well as to support a community teepee-raising event.
