Native youths "Paint the Ave."

American Indian youth paint their independence

By Herón Márquez EstradaThousands of commuters, riders and walkers will see simply a mural as they pass by and through the light-rail transit station at Cedar and Franklin avenues in Minneapolis.

But to the artists who painted the 18-by-200-foot mural to be unveiled Monday, it is a nascent symbol of cultural independence for American Indians living in the city and the neighborhood.

The mural is part of the "Paint the Ave." project of the Native American Community Development Institute, which is using a series of three murals on E. Franklin Avenue as a rallying cry for youth and residents.

Using art, the institute wants to instill greater pride and initiative in kids and tribal members who live in and around the Franklin Avenue area. Art can be combined with entrepreneurship and community development to help young American Indians direct their future, the institute says.Comment:  For more on Native murals, see Lakota Photo Mural in NYC and Jemez Street Artist Fragua.

Below:  "Young people worked about 30 hours a week for several weeks as part of the Native American Community Development Institute’s 'Paint the Ave.' project."