Rethinking Reconciliation with Indigenous Artist Miriam Berndt and Grace Ulu

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About

In 2015, the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended the establishment of a statutory holiday to honour and commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools survivors, their families, communities, and Indigenous organizations. Since its adoption in 2021, Griffin Art Projects has worked with Indigenous artists to listen and learn more about their practices encompassing intergenerational knowledge and formal investigations.

This year, we are honoured to host a talk by the inaugural recipient of the Emerging Indigenous Artist Studio Award, Miriam Berndt and collaborator, Musqueam Artist, Grace Ulu. Their work is informed by land-based practices, unveiling family histories, and reconciling stories from their nuanced matrilineal heritage.

Listening to feedback from past Indigenous presenters, we have pre-recorded this talk to lessen the emotional labour leading up to and during “National Day of Truth and Reconciliation”. We are grateful for their time and generosity and we hope you can join us to listen and learn from Miriam and Grace.

Miriam Berndt is a mixed-media visual artist and landscape designer, living in cə̓snaʔəm (so-called Marpole, Vancouver, BC). Miriam is the daughter of Theresa from Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Jim of Irish ancestry, and the step-daughter of Chris from the Six Nations of the Grand River. Miriam’s work explores themes of generational healing, hybrid identity, and land-based epistemologies. She hopes her work will reveal truths, heal wounds caused by colonial violence, and uncover expressions and innovations that defy the colonial paradigm and promote a regenerative future. Her multidisciplinary approach explores the use of Plains Cree art-forms, using rough construction materials and found objects to express stories of place and experience. In August 2022, Miriam launched her practice “Land-Based Art+Design”. This practice combines both of her passions—art and landscape architecture—to pursue land-based art methodologies and provide decolonized architecture and planning services.

Grace Ulu is a Musqueam member with over three years of experience in public art. She is a self-taught Indigenous artist continuously learning Musqueam culture and values from knowledge keepers, community, and family. Striving to connect cultural history and stories through contemporary Coast Salish art elements.

The day of the event, Faune Ybarra Public Programs Coordinator, will welcome you, introduce Miriam and Grace’s pre-recorded talk, and relay any comments you might have for our presenters.

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Organizer

Griffin Art Projects

Griffin Art Projects (GRIFFIN) is a non-profit art residency and gallery located in North Vancouver devoted to supporting artists in the production of new work through its residency program, and in creating new research on contemporary Canadian and international art, artists and art collections from around the world in its exhibition program. GRIFFIN is a non-collecting institution that has quickly become a vibrant contributor to the North Vancouver cultural landscape and visual art practices in the region through its exhibitions, residency, and public programs. Griffin Art Projects' exhibitions and events are always free and open to all to attend.

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