Witnesses, a series of works by aboriginal artists across Canada, has been on exhibit at The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery at UBC since September 6. Its focus is on the representation of the effects of the residential school system from an aboriginal perspective by those that experienced it directly, or those who have experienced the impact that it continues to have on the indigenous population in Canada.

The exhibition is an insightful, educational and sobering experience, as the works included serve to communicate the psychological, social and physical impact of the residential school system in a way that only works of art can convey. Lisa Jackson’s video Savage, for instance, explores a number of themes such as grief, cultural dislocation and assimilation in just over five minutes solely through the use of images and music. Nonetheless, what transpires illicits a great deal of empathy for the characters, their families, and the indigenous peoples of Canada for whom they represent.

The opening of the exhibit coincided with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada National Event held in Vancouver from September 18-21. In the spirit of that occasion, the focus for this exhibit has been about dialogue and understanding, with a number of events and symposiums with the artists and representatives from First Nations communities to share their experience, knowledge and views with the public. Check out the schedule of events here for more information.