First mural in cultural corridor

First mural unveiled for Native American Cultural Corridor

By Toni RandolphThe first mural on the newly-designated Native American Cultural Corridor was unveiled Friday in Minneapolis. Three local Native American leaders are honored in the mural.

The images depicted in the mural include a community activist who worked with the American Indian Movement, a founder of the arts organization Native Arts Circle and the owner of a local craft store.

Justin Heunemann, the president of the Native American Community Development Institute, said the mural is small part of a bigger project for Franklin Avenue and the Native American community.

"This is just one of, I hope, to be many projects, murals, etc., that continue to honor our community here," he said. "We've been on the avenue for 50 years plus."Comment:  For more on the subject, see First Urban Indian Destination.

Below:  "Charlie Stately, Pat Ballenger and Juanita Espinosa sit in front of the mural that bears their likenesses on Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis." (MPR Photo/Toni Randolph)