At North Park Elementary School, we believe that Chicago is our classroom. Our students learn by exploring the people, places, stories, and history that shape the city around them.

In 2026, that learning came to life on the walls of our campus with the creation of a new mural honoring Kitihawa, a Potawatomi woman and the wife of Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, widely recognized as the founder of Chicago. The mural celebrates Kitihawa’s important place in Chicago’s history while inviting our community to learn more about the Indigenous people and history that predate the city we know today.

Located in the alley between our Main Building and Annex, the mural serves as a permanent part of our campus and a visual reminder that there are many stories to discover, understand, and honor.

From Learning to Art

The mural was created by Chicago artists Noelle Garcia and Monica Rickert-Bolter, whose work brought together history, art, and community in a meaningful way.

The project was designed to be more than a mural on a wall. It became an opportunity for our students to engage with the story behind the artwork and consider whose stories are represented in the places they live and learn.

Throughout the process, students had opportunities to learn about Kitihawa, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, and Chicago’s Indigenous history. Their connection to the project reflects one of NPES’s Signature Threads, Place-Based Learning – Chicago is our classroom. By connecting classroom learning to the city around them, students develop a deeper understanding of their community and their place within it.

The mural also reflects our belief that art can open doors to important conversations. It encourages students and visitors alike to pause, ask questions, and consider the many histories that have shaped Chicago.

A Gift to Our Community

We are deeply grateful to the Nielsen Family for making this project possible through their generous support. Their investment in this mural allows NPES students, families, faculty, staff, and visitors to experience this important piece of Chicago history every day.

The mural is a lasting contribution to our campus and to our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn through art, history, and their surrounding community.

A Celebration of the Mural

On September 9, 2026, North Park Elementary School gathered to dedicate the mural and celebrate the people who helped bring the project to life.

The dedication brought together students, faculty, staff, families, and special guests for a morning of reflection, celebration, and learning. We were honored to welcome Selena Kearney, an accomplished opera singer and drum performer of Indigenous ancestry, and Jason Wesaw, a renowned contemporary Indigenous artist.

Their presence helped deepen the experience for our community and offered students an opportunity to hear from and engage with accomplished Indigenous artists and performers.

Continuing the Conversation

The mural is not the end of the learning – it is an invitation to continue it.

As an independent school rooted in Chicago, NPES is committed to helping students understand the history, people, and communities that have shaped the city we call home. The mural gives our students a permanent opportunity to engage with a story that may be unfamiliar to many, while reinforcing the importance of learning from the past and honoring the people whose stories deserve to be remembered.

We are proud to have Kitihawa’s story represented on our campus and grateful to everyone who helped bring this important project to life.