WAG exhibit explores legacy of residential schools
Winding its way through three levels of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Qua’yuk tchi’gae’win: Making Good explores the residential school legacy and colonial trauma, but also reveals an enduring strength, resiliency, and courage through art. Qua’yuk tchi’gae’win opened this past weekend to coincide with the Pathways to Reconciliation conference and runs until fall.
In Anishnaabemowin, qua’yuk tchi’gae’win means “the honour of righting a wrong.” In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, the exhibit shares experiences of intergenerational survivors from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
“The residential school system affected more than seven generations of people through forced separation from family and cultural traditions,” states Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG Director & CEO. “Located on Treaty No. 1 territory, the WAG is honoured to exhibit art that acknowledges the harms and mistakes of the past, as we work to move forward with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.”
Qua’yuk tchi’gae’win: Making Good brings together pieces from the WAG’s permanent collection by artists that include Kudluajuk Ashoona, Carl Beam, Leah Decter, Rosalie Favell, Robert Houle, Lita Fontaine, Simon Hughes, Alex Janvier, Jessie Oonark, Jane Ash Poitras, Miriam Qiyuk, David Ruben Piqtoukun, and Arthur Renwick. The exhibition also presents works loaned from the University of Manitoba, and incorporates related archival collections from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
Guided drop-in tours for Qua’yuk tchi’gae’win: Making Good are offered free with admission on July 17, August 14, and September 17. An Art for Lunch talk will be held September 14 with WAG curator Jaimie Isaac.
– WINNIPEG ART GALLERY
