May 12, 2025

Toba Centre and Graffiti Art Programming bring an exciting art installation to Roblin Boulevard

Winnipeg, Manitoba: A herd of bison is set to rumble down Roblin Boulevard later this month. The installation, entitled Bison on the Boulevard, will see 8ft x 5ft concrete bison installed along Roblin between Shaftsbury Boulevard and Assiniboine Park Drive in support of Toba Centre for Children & Youth (Toba Centre) and young people impacted by abuse in our province.

Spearheaded by a small group of volunteer ambassadors—John Bockstael, Lorraine Maciboric, and Ken Talbot—this initiative is a unique collaboration between Graffiti Art Programming (GAP), Toba Centre, local artists, and generous Manitoba sponsors. A truly Manitoba collaboration, we’re excited to announce today, on Manitoba Day.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Graffiti Art Programming on this exciting initiative,” says Christy Dzikowicz, CEO of Toba Centre for Children & Youth. “We’re working with a fantastic, talented group of artists and generous sponsors to bring Bison on the Boulevard to life. We can’t wait to share it with everyone in a few short weeks.”

Throughout the month the concrete bison, poured by Lafarge, will be transformed into unique and impactful pieces of art inspired by the work of Toba Centre, the strength and resilience of children, and the power of community.    

“Manitoba is home to so many talented artists. Rooted in community, they’re always willing to lend their talent to help others,” says Steve Wilson, Executive Director of Graffiti Art Programming. “Through their art, they are telling important stories—sending powerful messages.”

“For a child visiting Toba Centre to be uplifted by a herd of bison so lovingly and thoughtfully painted, to feel the strength, the resilience, the support of their community—that’s a beautiful gift I hope helps them on their healing journey,” says Elder Billie Schibler.

Child abuse is a community problem, and it’s also a community responsibility. Each person has a role to play in helping to prevent it and responding when they suspect it. We’re asking our community to step up this summer to join our herd.

“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, Indigenous activist, social worker, and community builder

Help us face this problem head on. Visit Bison on the Boulevard, become informed about child abuse—how to help prevent it, recognize signs, respond to a child in need, and report it—donate, and get involved.

If you’re interested in joining the herd and sponsoring a bison, there are a few opportunities left. Contact Ken Talbot at 204.294.1299 for more information.

Together we can make a difference in the lives of children impacted by abuse. Bison on the Boulevard will be on display May 28, 2025, through to the end of October. Information about the artwork, artists, sponsors, and the initiative will be available to the public at bisonontheblvd.ca once Bison on the Boulevard launches.

Members of the media are invited to the launch of Bison on the Boulevard.

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About Toba Centre for Children & Youth

Toba Centre for Children & Youth is Manitoba’s first and only child advocacy centre. At Toba Centre, a multidisciplinary team of professionals—police, medical, child protection, mental health, and other support services—work together under one roof to provide wrap-around support to children and youth impacted by abuse. This coordinated response serves to reduce potential trauma to children and families and improve services overall, while preserving and respecting the rights, mandates, and obligations of agencies.

About Graffiti Art Programming

Graffiti Art Programming is a not-for-profit community youth art centre that uses art as a tool for community, social, and individual development.

Media Contact

Brynne Marnoch
Manager of Communication
Toba Centre for Children & Youth
[email protected]
431.444.2373