Photo credit : Shuana Niessen student Reflections on the “ Moving Forward , Never Forgetting ” exhibit
Photo credit : Ryan Salter
In March , many education students had opportunity to view the “ Moving Forward , Never Forgetting ” exhibit at the Mackenzie Art Gallery . This exhibit is curated by David Garneau and Michelle Lavallee and features art works , performances , and stories that portray Indigenous people ’ s experiences in residential and public school systems as well as other experiences of assimilation . Below are student responses to viewing the exhibit .
“ Aapaskaiyaawa : They Are Dancing ” ( 2002 ) by artist Faye Heavyshield
Ryan Salter ( Year 3 ): I was drawn to this work [ photo above ] because it literally stood out , or I guess it was hanging but that ’ s besides the point . At first I examined the cones forming a line , the wind in the gallery made them spin , like they were dancing . I think this could be a ceremony or dance rich in culture , but mourning loss . The hanging hoods , which reinforce the ritualistic nature , never bounce up and down , but only swirl around , steadily and never out of control . I was then drawn to the shadows that mimic their movement . The light is intentionally placed and the shadows remind me of a clock . A clock that symbolizes time past and the countdown to a new world where history is not forgotten . When reading about the artwork and the artist I was happy to discover that it was appropriately named , “ They Are Dancing .” �
Michael Schienbein ( Year 3 ): What I will remember from this experience is the time I was given to walk freely and understand the art through my own interpretations and thoughts . I was immediately drawn to one piece from the exhibit titled , “ Fringe ." I first noticed this piece from across the room and from a distance it appeared that the girl was bleeding from her wound . The initial visual was shocking and led me to wanting to know more about the piece . I approached the piece and tried hard to gather my own understanding before reading the corresponding description . I noticed that the wound wasn ’ t dripping blood , rather it was traditional beads that were hanging from the stitches . This visual made me believe that the First Nations individual in the picture had their traditional culture healing their wound . I really started to assume that this piece was representing the reconciliation of the damages caused by residential schools . But , why was the wound on the back ? What is the true story behind the beads ? Although I felt confident in my own interpretation , I still wanted to know more .
“ Fringe ” ( 2013 ) by artist Rebecca Belmore
Having the opportunity to hear the true story behind the art from a story keeper was an opportunity for which I was very thankful . I was moved by the fact that the wound was on the back because First Nations peoples often didn ’ t see the damage coming . That reality was a difficult learning experience for me . It was also incredibly shocking to hear the story behind the beads . The beads were inspired by a true story of an Aboriginal woman being sewn together with beads . Apparently , the surgeon thought it was a bright idea to assume that his patient would appreciate that . That realization was mind boggling to me . I thought that it was a perfect example of our often poor attempts continued on page 15
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Photo credit : Shuana Niessen