CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital invited Oreland Joe Sr., a Southern Ute tribal artist, to paint a mural he calls, ‘Healing Ways’ in the new Durango Surgery Center building at Three Springs. In 2006, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe donated land that would become the Mercy Hospital, Joe commemorated that gift into his mural. “The bear is the foundation of the whole mural. Because of my tribe, the Southern Utes; the bear is included into our ceremonies with the songs, the dances and prayers. I hope that there are other young artists that follow and create murals, ceremonial murals,” he said.

Indigenous artist, Oreland Joe Sr. speaks with Executive Officer Lindsay Box about the story of the ‘Healing Ways’ mural on Tuesday, July 15 in the new Durango Surgery Center building in Three Springs during the dedication ceremony.