All tagged Indigenous perspectives
Arts Commons continues to build awareness of the past and understand the impacts of colonialism. It requires a long-term commitment to listen and learn, an acceptance of the discomfort of not knowing the answers, and the humility and strength to make mistakes. So, while the TRC reports are a good start, reconciliation requires a paradigm shift in how we think and engage with each other and with Indigenous peoples.
As we head into the month of June, I’ve been contemplating some matters that impact me as an artist, as a woman, as an Indigenous person and as someone who lives in Canada.
Inclusion and Identity.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events at Arts Commons had over 1000 attendees, attending the market, enjoying the films, and be a part of the impactful work of the Elder Story Project. Arts Commons and Elders Knowledge Circle Society would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended with open minds and open hearts. Reconciliation is a journey and everyone is at a different place on the path.
This year marks the third anniversary of recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), as a nation. However, many non-Indigenous peoples don’t fully understand what it is or why and how they should participate. Let this be a guide to this important day.
Ever since the first staging of the now widely acclaimed New Blood Dance Show, Strathmore High School teacher Deanne Bertsch has dreamed of having the music—12 Peter Gabriel songs—performed by a live orchestra. Last spring, a chance conversation with the Calgary Civic Symphony’s executive director led to the possibility of that dream coming true.
It’s your last chance to check out four exhibitions at Arts Commons featured in the visual art galleries throughout the building including the Truth and Reconciliation Exhibition in the +15 Galleries. Showcasing the work of 12 Indigenous artists, these paintings, beadwork, photography, sculpture, and leatherwork pieces serve to reflect on each individual artists’ relationship with the subject and ongoing conversation of Truth and Reconciliation.
Tom Jackson is on a mission to create health. The much-loved Canadian singer-songwriter, humanitarian, and activist has given a lot of thought to what that means, and how to include as many people as possible within that circle of well-being.
