Last year on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation the remains of 215 children found near Kamloops in British Columbia were weighing heavily on the hearts and minds of so many Canadians. More than 200 people came out to the grounds of the Boyd Museum to honour these children and to acknowledge and mourn the past and current conditions that keep these tragedies and injustices in place.
Hundreds of people came out to see the 215+ Children Art Installation of painted rocks on the wall surrounding the Museum and Library. There was a feeling of wanting to talk about this wrong and a desire on the part of many to take some action for positive change.
This year Truth and Reconciliation Community – Bobcaygeon want to continue to look at the Truth part of the Truth and Reconciliation equation while also turning our attention toward all that there is to celebrate about the First Peoples of Turtle Island.
The art show that has been in place since early September is a fabulous showcase of the gifts and talents of 18 Indigenous artists. This exhibit will be open for viewing until just after the gathering on September 30th.
On September 30th, we will have programming that starts promptly at 5 p.m. featuring three of Curve Lake First Nation’s creatives and artists. Why poetry, art and song? you may ask. Art evokes our emotions and touches different parts of our souls and minds. There is a kind of understanding that goes beyond what mere words can express.
Please join us at 5 pm outside on the Boyd Museum grounds to enjoy a welcome song from Brittany Taylor, to hear from artist David Beaucage Johnson whose work is featured in the “Celebrating First Nations” show and to listen to the words of Peterborough’s Poet Laureate Sarah Lewis.
We feel very blessed to have had so many artists share their work and to have our special guests agree to present to us all. Part of what is really important in these circumstances is to honour and respect those who share their gifts with us by offering an honorarium. You can help in this regard by contributing, as you can, by donation -either at the event or email us at trcbobcaygeon@gmail.com to arrange a donation.
Also we will also have a few remaining Norman Knott prints available for you to view and purchase at the event on the 30th inside the gallery.
We hope to see you there. It is a great way to show our commitment to truth and reconciliation in community with others.
