To the MSVU community,
With the recent start of June came the start of National Indigenous History Month in Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day is coming up on June 21.
Both are occasions to recognize and celebrate the heritage, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada, as well as to continue to advance truth and reconciliation.
Truth and Reconciliation engagement event
The Truth and Reconciliation engagement event previously scheduled for Friday, June 21 at MSVU (National Indigenous Peoples Day) has been postponed. In lieu of that event, MSVU community members are encouraged to engage in other opportunities for education, celebration and reflection – see below for several suggestions.
If you’re able to attend National Indigenous Peoples Day events in the community, visit the Treaty Education Nova Scotia Facebook page to learn about local opportunities.
Mawikuti’k is hosting its 4th Annual Freedom Day on Friday, June 21. They welcome all to celebrate and honour the strength and resilience of Indigenous Residential School survivors. The event starts at 10 a.m. at the Mi’kmaq Memorial Site in Shubenacadie.
The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is hosting an Indigenous Craft Fair at the Mic Mac Mall on June 21 in the community space by Decathlon.
Stop by the MSVU Art Gallery’s opening reception for the new exhibit Collective: Miranda Bellamy and Amanda Fauteux from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 21. One of the underlying themes of the exhibit is a reflection on settler engagement with the lands we inhabit.
Visit the Indigenous Resource Hub / L’nuey Etl-Mawo’tumk on the MSVU website for links to videos, books, podcasts and more.
Art Gallery event – Collective: Miranda Bellamy and Amanda Fauteux
From 6 to 8 p.m. on the evening of June 21, the MSVU Art Gallery will host the opening reception for a new exhibit titled Collective: Miranda Bellamy and Amanda Fauteux. One of the underlying themes of the exhibition is a reflection on settler engagement with the lands we inhabit.
Over several years and across the many seemingly disparate locations that artists Miranda Bellamy and Amanda Fauteux have visited, they have met with and photographed hundreds of marked trees. In their images, the makers of the traces etched into or painted on each tree are absent. We are left to wonder who is responsible for these marks, and why? Each photo is accompanied by a land acknowledgement specific to the Indigenous Peoples on whose land it comes from.
Through their work, Bellamy and Fauteux consider how we might, in approaching our relationship with trees through a new lens, be able to see past ourselves in a way that recognizes the significance of our interconnection.
The MSVU Art Gallery is dedicated to making its events accessible to all. Information about access, location, and interpretive services can be found in the “About” section of the gallery’s website. Please feel free to reach out to art.gallery@msvu.ca with any access requests, service needs, or inquiries.
Of course, there are a number of additional events happening across our city and province (and online) this month, and you’re encouraged to join in all that you can. Opportunities for celebration and learning are essential to advancing meaningful Truth and Reconciliation.
Wela’lin,
Joël
Dr. Joël Dickinson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University