A Truth and Reconciliation Indigenous Art Exhibit is on display at Genesis Place until August 29, according to a press release from the City of Airdrie earlier this week.
The art exhibit intends to honour National Indigenous History Month, which is recognized in June every year.
The City of Airdrie has partnered with the Colouring It Forward Reconciliation Society (CIFRS) to showcase 18 differing Indigenous artists from across Canada.
CIFRS works to advance education on indigenous issues and culture to promote healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
“CIF Reconciliation Society is grateful to the City of Airdrie for exhibiting the Truth and Reconciliation Indigenous Art Exhibit that we built in collaboration with SouthCentre Mall and Indigenous artists from all over Turtle Island,” said Diana Frost of the CIFRS. “We hope people will learn from Indigenous artists’ expressions of Truth and Reconciliation as well as get ideas for what they can themselves to help further Truth and Reconciliaton.”
The art exhibit will be moved at the end of August to Southcentre Mall in Calgary, to observe the Nation Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
The Truth and Reconciliation exhibit features a variety of works from varying artists, including the artists' bios. The artists have also provided written messages about the significance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The artists highlight possible actions that can be taken to participate in reconciliation, called reconcili-actions.
According to the press release, reconcili-actions include attending an Indigenous cultural event, creating a reconciliation family project, or volunteering at an Indigenous non-profit organization.
“We’re honoured to have this opportunity to share and amplify the voices and stories of Indigenous peoples by hosting this exhibit at Genesis Place,” said Mayor Peter Brown. “The exhibit offers a way for residents to take meaningful action to support Indigenous communities and build a better future together.”
