A simple courtyard in Kelowna General Hospital’s (KGH) McNair psychiatric unit has been transformed into a vibrant, healing space through a collaborative mural project rooted in culture, community and mental wellness.
Led by KGH unit manager Jenny Orriss, with support from the KGH Foundation, the project has taken shape after years of determination and creative problem solving. Plans for an art project were originally paused due to challenges with anti-graffiti wall panels. But the vision was recently revived with a shared commitment to create a more therapeutic environment for patients in the unit.
“As the manager of the psychiatric unit I’ve seen firsthand the impact that healing environments can have on mental wellness and recovery,” says Jenny. “This is more than just an aesthetic change—it’s about creating a space that supports grounding, reflection and hope.”
Connecting to culture and the landscape
The mural was created through a deeply collaborative process by artists Jorden and David Doody and syilx artist Sheldon Louis. (Sheldon, who has had art at the entrance of KGH, unveiled a mural at the BC Cancer Clinic in Kelowna in May.)
Their work began with a shared walk through the space, followed by days of exchanging ideas and concepts.
Each artist contributed a distinct and meaningful piece of the landscape: Jorden shaped the flowing water and riverbanks, David focused on the trees and clouds, and Sheldon brought in tule (bullrushes), kikinee (kokanee salmon) and the lodge depicted in the mural. Together, the artists shaped and refined the mural through ongoing dialogue, sketches and revisions, ensuring their individual voices and ideas flowed together.
The final piece draws inspiration from a traditional fishing site along Mission Creek, where syilx community members still gather and raise tule-covered lodges during the fishing season. The mural reflects this cultural connection and the landscapes surrounding the hospital.
Art, culture and mental health come together
During an unveiling of the mural at KGH on Friday, July 18, the artists spoke about wanting to capture what’s outside the hospital walls to provide patients an opportunity to visually step back into the landscapes they know, and hopefully reconnect in mind and spirit to what grounds them.
“This project is a testament to what’s possible when art, culture and mental health care come together,” says Melina Moran, director, Strategic Partnerships & Grants with KGH Foundation. “Thanks to our generous donors through personal giving, community events and endowment support, we're able to create environments that support not just treatment, but healing.”
Funding for the mural also came from contributions through hospital staff. One psychiatric nurse, Ashley, along with her sister Stephanie, have organized a yearly haunted house fundraiser with support from staff who volunteer as actors and organizers. Their passion and commitment to patient care continue beyond the unit doors.
“The McNair courtyard has been transformed from ordinary to extraordinary,” notes Melina. “It now reflects the spirit of healing, beauty and cultural connection we strive to bring to every patient experience.”
Honouring Indigenous cultures and communities
McNair joins a growing number of IH facilities and spaces where visitors can admire and draw comfort from Indigenous artwork, signage and language.
A space in Creston Valley Hospital is home to a culturally inclusive mural by diverse artists. A mural in Invermere and District Hospital welcomes visitors in traditional Ktunaxa and Secwepemctsín languages thanks to artist Darcy Luke/Roshau.
The recently opened Elkford Urgent and Primary Care Centre features Indigenous artists’ work, and signage in First Nations’ languages that create a feeling of safety and comfort.
Cariboo Memorial Hospital opened a sacred space in April 2024 featuring the work of Secwépemc artist Autumn Christopher. Penticton Regional Hospital is home to a sculpture by Okanagan First Nation artist Clint George who was a patient at the hospital.
At Royal Inland Hospital, a mural creates an inclusive atmosphere where patients can feel safe and maintain a connection to the world outside of the hospital. And at Mental Health and Substance Use sites across Kamloops, Indigenous visitors can expect to see signage in Secwepemctsin, and Indigenous resources and culturally significant items in waiting areas.
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