New Mural in Missoula Honors Indigenous Language and Resilience

On October 13, 2025, amidst brisk winds and temperatures hovering around 3°C (37°F), a dedicated group gathered in downtown Missoula to celebrate the unveiling of a striking new mural.

This expansive black-and-white artwork envelops the NorthWestern Energy electrical substation on Pattee Street, depicting herds of bison in full charge, accompanied by stars and poignant poems penned by Salish author Debra Magpie Earling and elder Vic Charlo.

The mural's debut coincided with Montana's inaugural statewide recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day, marking a significant milestone after over a decade of advocacy.

During the ceremony, April Charlo, daughter of Vic Charlo, delivered a heartfelt reading of her father's poem in the Salish language, emphasizing the resilience of Indigenous culture.

Her brother, Martin Charlo, a councilman for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, presented the original version.

April, dedicated to preserving and teaching Salish, reflected on the challenges faced by previous generations, recalling signs that once read, "No dogs or Indians allowed."

She stated, "Those who fought through that, and fought through colonization, in order to be able to pass this language down — today was to honor them."

This mural represents the first phase of Missoula's Downtown Riverside Arts Walls project, known as D.R.A.W., an initiative aimed at beautifying urban spaces with Indigenous art.

The project has been in the works for over five years, culminating in this powerful visual narrative that celebrates Indigenous heritage and resilience.

In addition to the mural unveiling, the day featured the third annual Beartracks Celebration Powwow at Caras Park, hosted by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

The event included traditional dances, drum performances, and a vendor market showcasing Indigenous arts and crafts, further enriching the community's appreciation of Indigenous culture.

As Montana embraces Indigenous Peoples' Day statewide, Missoula's new mural stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and cultural contributions of Indigenous communities.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of language preservation and the power of art to convey history and resilience.

For those interested in supporting the D.R.A.W. project or learning more about upcoming phases, information is available through the Missoula Downtown Partnership.

Community involvement and contributions are vital to continuing the celebration and recognition of Indigenous heritage in Missoula.