The Nk'mapəlks Mural Project was made possible through the 2016 First Peoples Cultural Council - Youth Engagement Grant. Being engaged through the arts within their own community had lead to more artistic opportunities in the surrounding community. The Youth had been honoured and given praise by their community for the leadership roles they have played in being strong role models for the younger kids in the OKIB community. One of the benefits was the attention the Youth attracted from the Vernon Public Art Gallery. The news about the Mural Project had reached outside of the Okanagan Indian Band community and gained the interest of the local gallery, which was eager to offer the youth another wall to paint. Also the local news papers had learned of the project and through their coverage the project gained more attention amongst outside communities. The overwhelming support from the Okanagan Indian Band community was a great experience for the youth to be recognized for their artistic talents, this I believe further enforced the youths own belief in themselves as artists. The interest and awe that was expressed by the communities will hopefully see this program grow into a much bigger project in years to come.
