Things in the world are changing so fast that it’s hard to stay on top of the politically correct language these days. I like using the word Indigenous yet at the awards night recently attended, I found they use the term First Nations. Six First Nations Artists were honoured at the BC Achievement Fulmer Award First Nations Art evening and it was a very inspirational evening. It’s one of my favourites and is one of the classiest ceremonies held at the Round House Community space in Yaletown. I’ve attended many celebrations at that space and I find this one to be the top of the honour train.
Born and raised in Vancouver I find that my formal education has left me with almost zero awareness of the atrocities put upon people of Canada. I was aware of the hardship placed on those who have moved to this country but not so much the First Nation’s people. Being first generation Canadian of immigrant parents it is not difficult to understand cultural relevance of a “peoples”; or my tribe as I refer to them and on occasion I call us the Fellini’s.
So how did I learn about the history of my own country, Canada, and the horrible things that were done to others? Well, when it comes to the First Nations people I’d have to say the meaningful truths have come to me through Art. While volunteering as a Docent at the Vancouver Art Gallery for over 15 years, working with children from grade 1 to 12 it has been a journey of discovery on many levels. My passion for art has helped me to discover and understand as well as engage in dialogue with others approaching discussions with curiosity and respect. Art has led to a graceful learning process of personally reconciling with life, the world’s madness, humanity and specific concepts.
At the Award night recently attended I had the opportunity to engage in honest dialogue with artists and other first nations people. Here is some of the work that was presented and I encourage you to check out the BC Achievement website to see and learn more about the winners. Marianne Nicolson was also honoured that evening and one of the 6 artist of which I referred.
The two artists above are:
Maynard Johnny Jr., Coast Salish/ Penelakut Tribe, Vancouver ( I have one of his designs on my favourite umbrella, bought in Haida Gwaii, who knew?) AND
Henry Green, Tsimshian, Prince Rupert (what a proud man and wealth of knowledge I felt I was in the presence of powerful spiritual leader) Note: his Native name is: Wii Gwinaalth.
During the evening I had a chance to speak to these creators and others curiously enquiring about how they felt in regards to every official welcoming now using the “We are on the unceded territory of….” ? From a non-native person’s perspective it’s something I’ve been questioning lately and wondering if it’s making things better or worse. The response I received from those asked ranged from “It’s a start to It falls short and in some ways is becoming meaningless”. It was enlightening for me and engaging to have the conversation.
Marianne Nicolson, who’s work seen below “1992 2012 “ helped me with this question through her work and discussion on art. This work shown reflects the time of the lowest population for 1) the native people (1992) and 2) the sea otter (2012). Over the years giving my time to the Art Gallery (VAG) it has been a pleasure to tour children and discuss Nicolson’s work — I love her asthetic and self expression which is powerful and relevant. We discussed the “official welcoming” and I mentioned how I seek to make it a non-dismissive statement and while touring “Transits and Returns” ,now showing at the art gallery, it was easy but how do I it when touring a show like Cindy Sherman? Well wasn’t I enlightened when Marianne without missing a beat said “it’s actually not that difficult when you think how Cindy’s work is engaging with “Identity” which is relevant to our people and their struggles as a result of history”. Of course! Thank you Marianne as now I know how I will make it work for me — always connect it to the art!!! (hopefully I’ll be a better educator for these conversations) .
What an honour to meet such talented, smart and wise people!