Dylon

By Taya Fast

Former PGRCC inmate creates murals dedicated to Indigenous heritage

Sep 28, 2021 | 5:50 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Dylon Mclemore, who was involved in gang life, spent several months at Prince George Regional Correctional Centre. While incarcerated, he was given the opportunity to use his artistic drive in a bigger way.

“My drawing, because I am a tattoo artist, drew attention with the Spiritual and Cultural program in there. They presented a mural project and it blew up bigger than I could have ever imagined,” said Dylon.

PGRCC Warden, Dennis Stavrou, said that they recognized what Dylon needed to successfully heal while in the centre.

“There is a general misconception in the public that we are here to punish, we are not. Our job is to ensure that [inmates] have access to resources so that when they return to the community they can reach their goals and be a productive member of society,” added Stavrou.

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The first of two murals represents the history of Lheidli T’enneh Park when the old village was still standing. It includes the four elders of the community with Cutbanks tall in the background.

The second mural represents the history of residential schools.

“I painted the sun, the highest point, and the world with the residential schools in the center showing that it affects all of us. The hands represent the creator holding the world. It also shows the drumsticks on top of everything in the mural meaning that our people are still beating the drums strong. As [I painted it] is when the news came out about all the findings, it was very emotional at the time,” added Dylon.

PGRCC says they do have plans to incorporate more Indigenous artwork in the center as 77% of the inmates in their care are of Indigenous descent.

“Looking at the healing processes for our population, we need to reach out to our Indigenous partners and work with them to develop those processes. One of those processes is art, which has been around for centuries,” added Stavrou.

Through this process, Dylon was also able to reconnect with his family and heritage with help from PGRCC. Dylon says he is actively working to try and change who he is all thank you to the staff inside the center and this program.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to paint the city and brighten it up. All I want to do is give back to the community from what I’ve done in the past. I want to dedicate myself to saying sorry, and learning about the culture and heritage here,” said Dylon.