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The Windsor Art Gallery will kick off a new series of monthly panel discussions on Thursday with a conversation about how the community can mark Canada’s newly created National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
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Facilitated by Windsor Star Managing Editor Craig Pearson, the panel features Leila Paugh, CUPE Ontario Indigenous Council member, as well as David Pitawanakwat and Elysha Bear-Morin, respectively president and member of the Shkawbewisag Student Law Society of the University of Windsor.
“We want to bring people together through the power of art, but it is important to use our collections and resources to make room not only for art and creativity, but also for connection and conversation with the community,” said Abbey Lee Hallett. , co-coordinator of the Windsor Art Gallery.
For Thursday’s discussion on truth and reconciliation, Pitawanakwat said he hopes the community will approach the discussion with curiosity.
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“Although the truth and reconciliation report came out in 2015, we are really at the beginning of the process and I don’t think it is on the radar of most Canadians,” said Pitawanakwat.
“I am very excited to speak on this issue because the real challenge today is convincing Canadians that reconciliation requires a part of everyone to move forward.”
Hallett said the topics of the ongoing series of conversations will vary from month to month. Gallery staff begins with a discussion on current issues at the beginning of the month, with the goal of hosting a panel before the end of the month, ensuring that each conversation is timely, though not necessarily related to an ongoing exhibition at the Gallery.
“Art can be such a powerful tool in facilitating those conversations, but this is something that doesn’t just focus on art, it’s something everyone should be tuned in to,” said Hallett.
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Addressing Thursday’s discussion, Pitawanakwat said people should start by assessing where they are in their lives.
“People always ask me, and it seems like too broad a question, ‘How can I help?’” Pitawanakwat said. Look where you are locally. What treaty land are you in, what field are you in? There are so many ways to help in your own capacity, I hope people reflect on where they are in life in relation to truth and reconciliation. ”
And, he said, while Canada marks National Truth and Reconciliation Day, indigenous peoples call it Orange Shirt Day because the story of Phyllis Webstad’s stolen orange shirt is very important to how truth and reconciliation came about. .
The panel, Community Conversation: How Can We Honor National Truth and Reconciliation Day? It will take place on Thursday, October 28 from 7 to 8:15 pm through Zoom. Visit the Windsor Art Gallery at agw.ca for event details and Zoom registration link.
Reference-windsorstar.com