Hello everyone,

Summer weather has arrived early with the heat and thunderstorms. Torrential downpours don’t usually happen so soon in the summer (yes, global climate change is creating more extreme weather events). I bring this up because I want to thank our staff who have been helping react to leaks in Zacks. Our conservators, our plant staff, our exhibitions crew, and particularly our night-time security team. We are working on a solution.

Today is the Summer Solstice. The Solstice is also recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day. I want to share an update on what we are doing around the reconciliation track of repair.

On July 5, Audrey and I are holding a gathering for Indigenous communities to come into the AGO to get some resolution around the events of the fall with the departure of the Curators of Indigenous Art. This gathering is a step towards truth and reconciliation. It will be a time for discussion to get honest clarity. Elder Dr. Duke Redbird and Grandmother Kim Wheatley will hold the session, and it will be moderated by J’net Ayayqwayaksheelth.

Earlier this week Elder Dr. Duke Redbird honoured us with a ground blessing for the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary expansion. It was an important – and low-key – event to help locate the building on this land. I want to thank everyone who made it possible and participated.

Stephan