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What Is; What Was
Inspired by Toba Centre’s goals of advocacy and healing for youth of Winnipeg and Manitoba, my design integrates the natural and familiar world, a symbolic representation of the bison, and the iconic Winnipeg skyline. The bison, symbolizing protection and strength, incorporates all Manitobans. To emphasize this connection, I have rendered the bison’s head with a realistic design, capturing the depth and emotion found in its gaze. There is a profound moment of connection when one meets the eyes of a bison—an experience that conveys resilience, beauty, and the powerful bonds within a community. By maintaining realism in the bison’s face, my artwork asks viewers to engage with the sculpture on a personal level, fostering a sense of unity, reflection, and strength.
Beyond the bison’s head, the fur transforms into a post-impressionist representation of Winnipeg’s iconic skyline: the Esplanade Riel, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and glimpses of downtown buildings. From the cityscape, the Red River flows down the bison’s legs, its swirling currents symbolizing power and resilience—a significant part of Manitoba’s history and culture. The Northern Lights dance across the sky, representing the spirits of our ancestors and those who came before us.
On the opposite side of the bison, the realism of the bison’s head continues into a celebration of Manitoba’s natural landscapes. The vast prairies, once home to the nomadic bison, stretch across the sculpture’s form, paying tribute to the land’s deep history and bounty.
At its core, this design invites each viewer to see a part of themself in it; to be a reflection of connection—between people, history and place. This binds us, no matter who we are, where we grew up, and what circumstances we exist in. Public art has an amazing power to heal, inspire, and create dialogue and conversation. I hope this piece serves as a vessel of resilience, reminding us of our shared history, the strengths of our community and our relationships, and the ever-present possibility of hope and renewal for all. It is an honour to bring my vision to life for the people of Winnipeg and Manitoba.
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Artist: Jessica Beaugrand
Herd Leader: Manitoba Public Insurance
Bison
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Manitoba Public Insurance is proud to support the community-driven work of Toba Centre in delivering critical resources to Manitoba children and families who have experienced or witnessed violence and abuse. The Bison on the Boulevard initiative is a visual representation of the impact Toba Centre has on the community, and Manitoba Public Insurance is proud to be part of the herd, coming together to foster pride in our community. Toba Centre’s collaborative approach to child advocacy brings together police, social work, medical, and other support services in one central location to restore the mental health and well-being of those affected and their loved ones. Through this impactful model and their dedicated staff and volunteers, the Centre is creating a safer and stronger province for everyone by ensuring that all kids who have experienced trauma are heard, helped, and healed.”
AT THE HEART OF THE STORM, YOU’LL FIND
A place to be heard, helped, & healed
For children and youth who have experienced abuse, Toba Centre provides wraparound support. Our team of professionals from law enforcement, child protection, medical, mental health, and other support services work together from one location to help young people and their families throughout their healing journey.
Cows run away from the storm while the buffalo charges toward it – and gets through it quicker. Whenever I’m confronted with a tough challenge, I do not prolong the torment, I become the buffalo.
– Wilma Mankiller
MORE THAN
1 in 3
Canadians report experiencing some form of child abuses
200,000
investigations of child abuse and neglect in Canada annually
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