Pushing Boundaries: Our Home on Native Land - Curator's Tour

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About

The theme of the 2023 exhibition is Our Home on Native Land. This exhibition explores the issues threatening Indigenous sovereignty for the past hundreds of years, since the 1400’s. Some of the main issues and key events include: Aboriginal title and Extinguishment; Inherent right to land or territory; Enfranchisement; the Federal Governments assimilation policies I.e., Indian Act 1876; and the 1763 Royal Proclamation.

Systemic harms and racism still exist within Canada’s governments, and as we delve deeper into Canada’s past, Canadians will learn about how these policies affected Indigenous Peoples, such as not having the right to vote federally until 1960. Currently under the Indian Act, “Indians” do not own their land. Instead, it’s held for them by the government as “Crown Land."

We all need to have a greater understanding of the history that is not taught. Through greater knowledge sharing we work towards reconciliation with hopes that non-Indigenous people will stand in solidarity and become allies who create space for understanding, compassion, and empathy. Through intergenerational strength and resilience, we create to share our story.

This exhibition further explores the following topics:

• Enfranchisement, the legal process for terminating a person’s Indian Status and conferring full Canadian citizenship.

• Royal Proclamation, 1763

• How we express our sovereignty

• Celebrating resilience

• Contextualizing Indigenous truths

Curatorial Statement by Sho Sho Esquiro:

Envisioned is a space of healing, learning, and honoring truths. Expressing oneself through art is a gift all can accept with gratitude. Standing in solidarity with a willingness to listen to the voices of our story keepers. “Stories are my Wealth”, written by cherished Tagish Elder Angela Sidney. We as artists use our art form to capture the past, present, and future. We honor those Ancestors whose strength and resilience guide us forward.

Links

• Website northvanarts.ca

Organizer

North Van Arts

North Van Arts, founded in 1969 as The North Vancouver Community Arts Council, is a grassroots, social-profit, charitable cultural organization dedicated to maximizing the intrinsic value of the arts in all media. Our mandate is to enable emerging and professional artists in all disciplines, to bridge cultures, and to build strong and healthy communities through the arts.

Located in CityScape Community ArtSpace, the organization consists of a volunteer Board of Directors, an Executive Director and support staff, and over 100 dedicated volunteers. Our membership is over 400 strong and includes individuals, students, seniors, families, cultural groups and businesses.

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