Respecting Culture on Indigenous Peoples Day

We were in Ottawa yesterday and would have been again today but our visit was cut short by a driver who blew a stop sign, resulting in a significant collision. We were unharmed, save some achiness, and somehow our vehicle was still drivable, while the other was a write-off. Thank God for small mercies.

We did get to the National Art Gallery for several exhibits before the drama, principally the Gaugin portraits (more on this later.) We made a point of going into rooms featuring Aboriginal art, which has become a higher priority for the National Art Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the McMichael Gallery. I'm grateful for this recognition Indigenous culture and creativity. The works we viewed, including a bowhead whale painting by the late great Tim Pitsiulak, have descriptions in the language of the artist above that in English or French, which is the respectful thing to do.


Tim Pitsiulak

It's important to acknowledge these creative gifts on this National Indigenous Peoples Day, which coincides yearly with the Summer Solstice. This has been a sombre month with the release of the report on Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls. There has been considerable criticism of the use of the word "genocide" in the report, push-back from white people who have the temerity to opine that what has transpired over the past 400 years doesn't fit their definition of genocide. How convenient.

We've seen the initial reluctance of the Prime Minister to use the word genocide and Andrew Scheer vaguely offered that what occurred was not genocide but "it's own thing." Brilliant.



Brian Jungen -- current AGO exhibit

Indigenous art and spirituality are two expressions of the re-emergence of an array of cultures across this country which were systematically dismantled. As Christians we can commit ourselves to reconciliation and justice something that the United Church has committed itself to do over the past 30 years. 

 

Reconciliation Pole -- dedicated Friday in Vancouver

We can also honour Aboriginal culture as an act of humility and reciprocity. It isn't all about European culture and traditions, including faith. Wouldn't it meaningful if all congregations shared Indigenous art images on the Sunday closest to National Indigenous Peoples Day?



Leland Bell