Artist in Residence  -  Ryan Jason Allen Willert

Ryan is a full-time artist and storyteller living in Red Deer, Alberta. He was born and raised in Southern Alberta. Although he was brought up in a non-native community, he has since reconnected with his Blackfoot roots (Siksika Nation).

Catherine Nichols Gunn School is pleased to have Ryan work as an artist-in-residence. He worked with our students to tell the story of the buffalo and create a mural to share this story.

Each student added a buffalo to the mural while Ryan worked on the surrounding areas.

Our New Logo 2018-2019

Catherine Nichols Gunn School officially announced a new logo for the school on Thursday, June 21. After consulting with staff, student and parents the buffalo, taken from the mural painted at the school, with permission from Indigenous artist Ryan Willert, has been chosen.

When people see the buffalo the hope is that they think of strength and bravery. A buffalo is an important and symbolic image for both Indigenous Culture and Catherine Nichols Gunn School. The buffalo represents our commitment to facing challenges head on, both in school and throughout our lives. The buffalo is the only animal that does not run away from the storm but instead runs directly into the wind, rain and snow embracing its challenges, searching for the sun on the other side.

Replacing the old motto is "Be Kind, Be Strong, Be Brave".