By Carz Nelson
On November 3, a new art installation was unveiled at the Wall of Forgotten Natives, the location of the 2018 homeless encampment on Franklin Avenue. Twenty-three boards wired to the chain-link fence spell out: “Never Homeless Before 1492”. Each panel includes images and symbols that are relevant to the American Indian community.
Artist Courtney Cochran led the design. Many community members contributed to the work, including people who have experienced homelessness themselves. The project is sponsored by the Native American Community Development Institute and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. It will remain in place on Franklin Avenue for two years.
