590 Ellice Avenue - "Adam Beach on Location"

Adam Beach on Location (Charlie Johnston of C5 Artworks, 2003)

It is not everywhere that you see a mural that celebrates a Hollywood actor who is still alive. Winnipeggers love Adam Beach, especially in the West End. A lot of it has to do with the fact that he is a Manitoban.

This member of the Saulteaux First Nations has appeared in over 60 films and television programs, including Flags of Our Fathers, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Suicide Squad, and Windtalkers.

The artist chose the spot on purpose: Beach was raised by his aunt and uncle (after his parents died) two blocks away from there.

At the bottom right of photo 1, a young Beach wears the Orioles uniform, a baseball team for which he played. Then, in the middle, he is standing with his left arm around a bear, a reference to his Aboriginal name -- Leading Bear Man.

The role that brought him fame (Squanto: A Warrior's Tale) is also featured prominently to the top left, while the remaining part is about Windtalkers. In the movie, Beach represents the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II.

This mural is one of my favorites in the West End. Adam Beach is an excellent actor and seems like a very down-to-earth guy. He is also very involved in his community. For example, his Adam Beach Film Institute seeks to give more visibility to Aboriginal youth in the media arts and film industry.

Link to Charlie Johnston's website: https://charliejohnston.ca/

For more information about the Murals of Winnipeg project, visit https://www.cendrinemedia.com/Portfolio-Series/About-Murals-Winnipeg-project.

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