By Ryan “Amik” Besito (Anishinaabe)

This mural tells the story of Dbaadendiziwin, the Ojibway teaching of humility.

At its centre is the wolf, sacred to the Wolf Clan, known not for dominance, but for balance, protection and responsibility. In Anishinaabe ways of knowing, the wolf walks not alone, but as part of a pack. Each wolf has a role — each voice matters. Humility means recognizing this: that no one walks above or below another, but side by side.

The wolf in this image lifts its head toward the harvest moon, a time of reflection, gratitude and gathering. The moon glows brightly — a source of teachings passed down through generations. From this act of howling, we understand that humility is not silence, but speaking truth when it serves the collective. It is knowing when to lead, when to follow, and when to simply listen.

Around the wolf, the four seasons are present in subtle ways:

• Spring’s renewal in soft blue and rose petals.
• Summer’s strength in vibrant green.
• Fall’s offering in the warm golden light of the moon.
• And Winter’s wisdom in the muted tones of a forest during a snow fall.

These elements remind us that life moves in cycles. Humility means knowing that we are always learning, always changing, always part of something greater than ourselves.

This mural was created for the Indigenous community, students, faculty and all who walk the halls of this university. It is both a teaching and a reflection — an invitation to remember that our strength is rooted in humility, our protection is collective, and our stories are carried forward when we honour each season, each voice and each teaching.