Indigenous artist donates two paintings to Kootenay Lake Hospital

Johnny Mukwa donated two Woodland-style paintings, Forest Spirits 1 and Forest Spirits 2, to the oncology hallway at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson; the works are on display for patients and families.

Artist Johnny Mukwa has donated two paintings to the oncology department at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson. The works, titled Forest Spirits 1 and Forest Spirits 2, are on display in a hallway used by oncology patients and their families. Mukwa is originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, and has mixed Anishinaabe and Métis ancestry. He began an apprenticeship in February 2025 with Woodland artist Mark Anthony Jacobson and has shown work in the Kootenays. Details: - The donated works are named Forest Spirits 1 and Forest Spirits 2. - They are displayed in the oncology hallway where patients and families can view them. - Mukwa is of Anishinaabe and Métis descent and comes from Thunder Bay, Ontario. - He began a Woodland-style apprenticeship with Mark Anthony Jacobson in February 2025 and has held several shows in the Kootenays. - Mukwa said his father is currently fighting cancer and described Woodland art as "medicine painting" meant to bring peace and comfort. - Tyler Van Ramshorst, director of clinical operations at Kootenay Lake Hospital, said the hospital appreciates Mukwa's generosity and that Indigenous art signals that everyone is welcome. Summary: The paintings add colour to the oncology area and are presented as a source of peace and strength for patients and families, according to Mukwa and hospital staff. Undetermined at this time.