To gain further insight into the tragedy of residential schools in Canada in the 19^th and 20^th century, I visited the Helen and Morris Belkin Art Gallery (http://www.belkin.ubc.ca/current/witnesses). The exhibition “Witnesses” held a collection of pieces by artists affected by their experiences in residential schools. Artworks ranged from videos to paintings to collages of photographs. I found the exhibition not only informative but also very poignant. Between 1875 and 1996, 150,000 First-Nations children were taken from their families and placed into schools to be taught “white ways” and to rid them of their culture. Abuse and malnutrition of children ensued and communities still feel the lasting effects of their mistreatment today.

The Belkin Gallery portrayed a powerful message of struggle and pain but also reconciliation. I found it interesting to see how art, in its many forms, can be so moving and emotional. Many pieces incorporated words with pictures and photographs. The use of language can change the meaning of a piece of art entirely, as well as give it certain context.  An example of this would be Joane Cardinal-Schubet’s installation ‘The Lesson’, where in 1989 the artist invited 10 Aboriginal people affected by residential schools to sit in a classroom setting and share their experiences. The installation is a classroom with chairs and tables, as well as walls made of chalkboard covered with fragmented stories and words. The piece (http://www.preview-art.com/previews/99-02/05.CardinalJoane.html) is moving because the descriptions are real and true. I found that much of what I saw in the gallery was extremely personal, and this was further shown through the explanations of artworks written by the artists themselves. What I found most prominent in each piece of art was that either words or actions were illustrated to make a certain point. Fragments of diary entries written over a photograph, such as the work of Carl Beam (‘Forced Ideas in School Days’, 1991) where words bring context and meaning to a picture that may have remained unexplained. I believe the incorporation of words with images is what made them most powerful.

As someone who knew very little about residential schools and the tragic history of these events, I found myself questioning my views and opinions whilst at the gallery and ever since. What is my role as a global citizen here in British Columbia? Am I simply an outsider and here just to study, or is it my duty and responsibility to participate in this progressive movement towards reconciliation? I feel an urge to learn and read more about this issue because it is so important here. There is an abundance of history, art and literature to better understand why this happened and how Canada is making the very much-needed move towards a more peaceful and fair society. I can see this through language used when speaking of First-Nations issues, as well as attitudes towards the issue in general. This sensitive topic is being unfolded and exposed for the better and I believe testimonies not only through the TRC but also through artworks and changing attitudes will be the best path to reconciliation.