As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation nears, the UFV community is called to reflect upon an unfortunate incident involving Indigenous art on campus, where a cherished Indigenous painting was vandalized. To focus on and bring awareness to the featured art, as well as offer a chance for sincere reflection, The Cascade spoke to Paul Brammer, director of UFV’s Xwexwílmexwawt, and Teresa Carlson, curator of Research and Engagement at Xwexwílmexwawt.
Xwexwílmexwawt, UFV’s own mini museum of Indigenous art, has been a part of UFV since 2009. The museum is one of the primary outlets we have to express our acknowledgement and understanding of Indigenous communities and their presence. Carlson explained what the art means for Indigenous individuals — importance of identity and belonging.
“The development of Indigenous art is a reflection of the cultural and spiritual resurgence, and strength of Stó:l? culture… Having [Indigenous] art on the campuses is an opportunity for scholars, students, and Stó:l? faculty to see themselves reflected in the art.”
Carlson noted how it’s just as much a reflection of UFV building and maintaining a relationship with Stó:l? people. The Indigenous Teaching Garden, for example, is Brammer’s highlight of the Indigenous markings on campus that showcase their progressive efforts to make the culture’s art presence strong.
“Its impact is multifaceted and can mean different things to different people, but I think for non-Indigenous students especially, [they can] look at the beautiful new cafeteria and the fish that are on the outside — [these] designs are important, atmospheric pieces of our campus.”
The artwork welcomes Indigenization and allows us to build our show of respect and knowledge for them. Vandalizing that art becomes a learning opportunity for all where we reflect on what exactly that art represents. It’s not just a piece of art, but a part of an Indigenous artist’s spirit.
“The creator is sharing a piece of themselves, so to deface a piece of [their] art [is] hurtful to the artist and disrespectful of the culture and the teachings that those artists are generously trying to share with people.”
Even though Brammer and Carlson claim the vandalism was not a purposefully malicious or targeted act but rather a “misadventure,” reconciliation is something we show through our actions and we have a responsibility to practice it. Brammer emphasizes that cultural humility is one way to do so.
“I think that’s a key part of the way forward, is for us to show cultural humility, gratitude, and respect that I hope comes from that humility.”
Ultimately, when the art is harmed, the artist is harmed too. Art plays a huge role in Indigenous history, and therefore Canadian history, and despite the trials and tribulations they’ve endured, Carlson noted that their generosity to share part of their spirits with us still remains.
“…they’re still willing to develop relationships and to share and foster reconciliation. Each piece of Indigenous art on campus shows that willingness and it’s also a huge reflection that Indigenous people are transcending. They’re not just reviving or revitalizing their culture. It was never gone. It’s just becoming stronger.”
The bottom line? A part of showing respect for Indigenous culture is appreciating the art they put out into the world.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.