Jessica Moon Bernstein-Schiano is a Nederland resident who has recently completed the mural on the west side of the Mountain People’s Co-op. Drawing inspiration from Nederland’s history and natural beauty, Bernstein-Schiano’s mural serves “as a tribute to the majestic Indian Peaks and the Indigenous peoples who once thrived upon this very land we stand upon.”

Bernstein-Schiano’s mural’s main focus has evolved to honor Chipeta, the second wife of Chief Ouray and a revered figure in Ute history.

“After immersing myself in Chipeta’s beliefs and her standing among her people, I have made a heartfelt decision to honor her in a unique and respectful manner,” confesses Bernstein-Schiano.

She shares, “Instead of a portrait, the mural features a white singing bird, symbolizing the essence of Chipeta’s name. This bird, reminiscent of a dove, embodies her legacy as a peacemaker, radiating harmony and unity.”

“To further enhance the mural’s allure, the vibrant sun will take form, drawing inspiration from Ute designs and patterns. This sun will illuminate the artwork with warmth and light, embodying the spirit of Ute culture and their deep-rooted connection to the natural world,” continued Bernstein-Schiano.

“Chipeta’s distaste for the encroachment of industrialization and disruption of natural surroundings” plays a large role in the inspiration for Bernstein-Schiano’s mural, sharing further that a proposal for a statue honoring Chipeta at Chipeta Lake in Utah, had been abandoned, guided by the belief that she would not have approved.

Bernstein-Schiano desires to educate people with her mural, “especially those not of Native descent, about the extraordinary life and achievements of Chipeta. Raising awareness of her indelible contributions is of immeasurable value.”

“With unwavering dedication, this mural aims to respect Chipeta’s beliefs and duly honor the Ute community. Employing the symbolism of a white singing bird aims to evoke her spirit as a peacemaker, fostering dialogue and understanding of the past.”

Bernstein-Schiano hopes the mural “cultivates unity, appreciation, and an enduring connection to the cultural heritage that has profoundly shaped this land.”

Bernstein-Schiano grew up in Ohio and moved to Boulder in 1986. Since then, she has lived in Eldora, Boulder, and Nederland, where she and her husband have been living since 2018. Her heritage includes Indigenous El Salvadoran ancestry, Middle Eastern heritage hailing from Palestine and Egypt, as well as Irish and Latvian roots.

Bernstein-Schiano also shares, “My connection to Indigenous cultures goes beyond my ancestry. I’ve spent a significant portion of my life living and working in Mongolia. During my time there as a Peace Corps volunteer, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Mongolian culture, where I even lived in a traditional dwelling known as a ‘ger’ or ‘yurt.’ This experience provided me with a deep appreciation for the Indigenous traditions and way of life in Mongolia.”

Upon her return home from Mongolia, she noticed striking similarities between Mongolian culture and the cultures of Indigenous peoples in North America. “This connection between the Mongol and Native American cultures has piqued my interest and led me to explore the commonalities and differences between these two distinct Indigenous traditions.”

You can view the mural on the west side of the Mountain People’s Co-op building. To learn more about Bernstein-Schiano visit www.jessicamoonart.com. You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jessicamoonart.