Reconciliation through Indigenous art is the theme at a Calgary mall
The exhibit features work from 17 Indigenous artists and is located in Southcentre Mall's Art Corner on the second floor.
Tapisa Kilabuk is one of the event organizers with the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good that's collaborating with Colouring it Forward Reconciliation Society for the six week long exhibit.
"Just having this kind of representation in Calgary is just so wonderful and so beautiful and so inclusive," said Kilabuk. "When I was here the other day helping with the orange shirts and I was overwhelmed with emotion because I've never seen anything like this before."
The federal government recently declared September 30th as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It's a day for Canadians to spread awareness and reflect on the tragedies experienced by Indigenous people as a result of the country's former residential school system.
Alexandra Velosa is the marketing manager at Southcentre Mall which is a big supporter of the arts community. The artwork for the exhibit is hung from the ceiling and on the back of each piece are recommendations about how everyone can take steps to help foster reconciliation.
"We all want to make a difference," said Velosa. "We just sometimes don't know how and this is what the art exhibit is giving us, it's giving us the information we need to take little actions to be part of the reconciliation."
The space has been open to the public since the start of September. Close to 11,000 people visit it daily.
"A big part of our role with Colour it Forward Reconciliation Society is reconciliation through the arts," said Kilabuk. "That gives people the space to come together, to learn more, to appreciate one another, to admire one another and really create those fundamental relationships in our community that will create a better community in the future."
WHITE BUFFALO MOON
Keevin Rider is one of the artists taking part in the exhibit. His piece is titled White Buffalo Moon. A buffalo on the left side of the painting represents the people, seven empty lodges represent death, loneliness, sorrow, mourning, grief, hurt, depression. A white buffalo on the right represents healing and looks towards the buffalo on the left letting him know that he is there to help heal the people.
Rider says he's a product of his parents attending residential schools.
"My dad was Stoney Nakoda, my mom was Blackfoot, Blood," said Rider. "They can speak their language fluently but they thought it would be better for us not to because of what residential (schools) taught them: it taught them not to speak their language, don't use your culture."
Now Rider is starting to learn his native languages at 57 years old. He says painting puts him in a good space and helps him heal. He's proud to be included in the exhibit and is hopeful that visitors will learn from the stories of the art and appreciate the work of the Indigenous artists featured.
The mall is still finalizing details of how it will host the first observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th to follow provincial health measures. The exhibit will be open until mid-October.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.