The Women's Peace Garden Mural: A Tribute to Resilience and Remembrance

In the heart of the University of Lethbridge Library, a powerful new work of art now stands as a testament to remembrance, resilience and hope. The Women's Peace Garden Mural, unveiled on December 6, 2024, commemorates the 14 women whose lives were tragically taken in the École Polytechnique massacre of 1989. The mural’s creation, a labour of love by second-year Faculty of Fine Arts student Claire Lahey, is more than an artistic accomplishment — it is a call to action against gender-based violence.

For Claire, this opportunity came through her role as a work-to-learn student with the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Team. It was a chance to merge her passion for art with her commitment to social change. “I’ve had so many opportunities to be creative with my art and strive for change in the world with it,” says Claire. “When I got the opportunity with this mural, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of.”

“Art has been such a big part of who I am for my whole life, and it just means so much to be able to share it in a space that is supporting a cause of remembrance and anti-gender-based violence.”

Art with a Purpose

The mural, housed on Level 10 of the University Library, is a two-part masterpiece inspired by nature. The pillar bears the names and ages of the 14 women who lost their lives at École Polytechnique, each represented by a unique rose. “With every brush stroke, I tried to honour their legacy,” she explains. “It was less of a project and more of a journey. It reflects a very pivotal moment for me, not just as an artist, but as a person." 

The accompanying wall is a garden brought to life with bold colours and intricate depictions of flora and fauna. This part of the mural represents resilience, growth, and the strength of women in the face of adversity. Claire’s artistic vision was inspired by nature’s beauty and its ability to heal.

“I wanted this space to reflect a brighter, safer, happier future,” she says. “A place where students can connect with the beauty of colour and nature while reflecting on why this space exists.”

More than 150 hours of work were invested toward the murals between a full class load, ringette practise, and other commitments. “I almost felt like I was responding to the art as I was creating it,” Claire says. “I’ve never worked on something this big before, and I had to trust myself and the process, letting the art come together and go off of my intuition, for the most part.” 

Throughout the process, Claire says she learned a lot from the conversations with others who shared their stories with her. It furthered her understanding of the gravity of the situation and built upon the connectedness between the artworks. “As a woman you experience life yourself through other women, through movies, through everything. So, with this, it is more of a broader issue that a lot of women face. To do my part in helping others is just so important to me.”

A Community Effort

The mural’s unveiling was a touching moment, drawing together students, staff, faculty and community members. Hosted by the ULethbridge Library, in collaboration with the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and the Accessibility, Belonging and Community teams, it marked the 35th Anniversary of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. Following a blessing from Elder Staah’tsi’naims’skaa’ki (Thunder Pipe Woman Under the Sky), Cathy Hunt, speeches were shared from many, including President and Vice-Chancellor Digvir Jayas, and Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA '94).

Among the attendees were Claire’s work-to-learn colleagues, her ringette teammates, family and friends, all eager to commemorate her achievement and the mural’s significance. “I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the support shown towards this mural,” says Claire. “Hearing everyone’s speeches was incredibly inspiring.” 

The Women's Peace Garden Mural project was led by the library staff — Emma Scott, Marnie Rogstad and Jessica Davies — with the support of University Librarian, Dr. Harold Jansen, as part of its commitment to creating spaces where we all belong and feel safe. As part of the project, the Women’s Peace Garden was relocated to its current, more central location on Level 10 north of the library.

Since its creation in 1990, the garden has served as a quiet memorial to the 14 women with each planter bearing the name of one of the victims. It became clear that raising the profile of the garden was warranted, as many did not know it existed, let alone where it was located, and many more were unaware of the events of December 6, 1989, explains Marnie Rogstad, Library Operations Specialist. Originally tucked away in a lesser-known area, the garden now benefits from greater visibility and light, thanks to its placement near large windows overlooking the Science Commons. 

“It feels fitting,” says Marnie Rogstad, Library Operations Specialist. “The women killed were students and professionals in science and engineering, and now their memory surrounds students who are learning, studying and preparing for their futures, as those young women once did.”

The garden, now encircling the mural, is a living tribute to the victims. Their names, etched in memory, sit alongside blooming plants, offering a quiet yet powerful reminder of lives that were cut short:

·      Geneviève Bergeron
·      Hélène Colgan
·      Nathalie Croteau
·      Barbara Daigneault
·      Anne-Marie Edward
·      Maud Haviernick
·      Maryse Laganière
·      Maryse Leclair
·      Anne-Marie Lemay
·      Sonia Pelletier
·      Michèle Richard
·      Annie St-Arneault
·      Annie Turcotte
·      Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz

A Space for Reflection and Action

Leah Webster, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Prevention Coordinator, emphasizes the mural’s broader message. “This mural is more than a work of art — it’s a call to remember the past and take meaningful steps towards a future free from violence,” she says. Leah stresses the importance for individuals to know that support is available for themselves, and anyone affected. She underscores the University’s ongoing collective commitment to creating a culture of consent and support and ending gender-based violence.

The mural’s new location ensures that its message will reach a wide audience, especially younger generations of students who may not be familiar with the events of December 6, 1989. As Leah points out, the connection to the university’s engineering and science programs further reinforces the importance of remembering these women. “Let this mural serve as a lasting reminder of the strength, resilience and courage of women and survivors everywhere,” she says.

 Having this memorial in a public space demonstrates beauty can rise from tragedy, and invite reflection, learning and a renewed commitment to justice and equality. 

“I hope my art serves as a reminder of the strength, courage and love that defines women,” says Claire. “I hope I have created a scene that not only reflects the spirit of the women we remember but acts as a lasting tribute for generations to come.”

“The death of those young women would not be in vain we promised. We would turn our mourning into organizing to put an end to the violence against women.”
— Jody Rebick