We are incredibly grateful that we could be part of Toba Centre's art installation to raise awareness of the issue of child abuse.

Bison on the Boulevard:

As symbols of strength and resilience, bison stand together to protect their young. Inspired by this collaborative, protective nature, Toba Centre is bringing an art installation – Bison on the Boulevard – to Winnipeg’s Roblin Boulevard.
Beginning May 28, 2025, children, youth, and families on their way to Toba Centre will pass by the herd of concrete bison – each beautifully painted by a Manitoba artist and a symbol that their community is with them. Standing together, each bison will bring something unique to the herd, just as the team at Toba Centre and the community bring unique and important pieces to Manitoba’s coordinated response to child abuse.
The hope for the community is that this installation will spark conversation, raise awareness of the issue of child abuse and of Toba Centre, and inspire the community to get involved. As a community, this is our opportunity to give back what has been taken, to show children they are valued, and that their community is behind them.

To learn more about the Bison on the Boulevard click the link:
https://tobacentre.ca/bison-on-the-boulevard/

Wild Prairie by Mandy van Leeuwen
Looking beyond the massive form of the bison itself, I invite viewers into the expansive native grasslands of Manitoba where Plains Bison once roamed freely. The scene wraps the entire form of Canada’s largest and most symbolic mammal, while showcasing the beautiful prairie expanse blanketed under a dramatic sunset. Wisps of ribbony grasses delicately sway into the depths of the horizon. In the foreground, several birds perched on branches view an environment that is reminiscent of the Plains Bison ancestral habitat.
The birds represent the children, perched on stems that symbolize the support and healing provided by Toba Centre. As the sun rises, they look towards a promising new day in a world the way it should be—a safe place that honours the spirit, the heart and the home. Everything is connected, as together through art, we are all healed.