Hawlii Pichette is a Mushkego Cree (Treaty 9) urban mixed-blood artist and illustrator who currently resides in London, Ontario. Born and raised in Cochrane in northeastern Ontario, her work is deeply influenced by her culture and upbringing, and reflects the beautiful interconnections of the natural world. This mural, painted in summer 2023, is located on the west exterior wall of the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre. In the design, the artist has contemplated how new development continues to push into the natural environment, impacting wildlife and ecosystems generally. The line between natural and built environments is ever-shifting, and wild animals have to navigate this space. Consider the title of the mural, ‘The Howl’ — might the coyote pups be protesting the destruction of habitats, or offering a warning?

(Photo provided by Van Pelt’s Business Solutions)

(Information provided by Railway City Tourism)