
From left to right: Dr. Joyce Slater, Sheila Stark-Perrault, Victoria Wojakowski, and Darren Fife.
Mural celebrates legacy of home economics and human ecology in Manitoba
On November 14, 2024, a striking wall mural commemorating the history of home economics and human ecology in Manitoba was unveiled in a prominent hallway of the Agriculture Building.
This collaborative project was conceptualized and designed by three former FHNS (Food and Human Nutritional Sciences) students—Sheila Stark-Perrault, Darren Fife, and Victoria Wojakowski—as part of their graduate studies in Home Economics Education at the University of British Columbia. All three are now home economics educators in Manitoba.
The mural presents a detailed timeline, tracing key milestones and pivotal events in the field from the 1800s to the present day.
The initiative aims to honor the profound contributions of home economics and human ecology to the University of Manitoba and the province as a whole. Additionally, it seeks to inspire current and future students by showcasing the diverse career opportunities available within the discipline.
Dr. Joyce Slater, a now-retired professor from the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, played a pivotal role in bringing the project to life. She secured support from the Faculty Endowment Fund and guided the project through its design and installation phases.
The artistic design of the mural was created by Dian Greaves of Well Creative, while LightVisions oversaw the fabrication and installation process.