Dear Everyone,
I wanted to share a statement that will be posted on the AGO’s social media channels today. It acknowledges the deaths of 215 Indigenous children at the former Kamloops Residential School. The reality of this horrific finding is brutal.
I ask all of us to consider how we use our mission – exhibitions, collections and programming – and the institution of the AGO to create a more just and inclusive culture. How do we understand the impact of our colonial history on Indigenous peoples, and what do we need to do to help seek reconciliation? I will be pushing to change the AGO at all levels. It will make us uncomfortable at times, and it will create debate and uncertainty, but the progress we need to continue to make has to be systemic and real. There are moments when I will lead this conversation, but I don’t have all the answers. There are moments when I need others to lead. A year ago we launched AGOU. Some of you spent your time learning about the history of colonialism and Canada. Some of you learned more about our history from an Indigenous perspective. Remember, action based in knowledge is a powerful tool to create an even better culture.
In addition to making the statement below, we are working on specific programming opportunities that will provide continued learning and understanding of our past and present, and their impact on people and culture today. This will be open to all staff and members of the public, and will be announced soon. I also want to acknowledge the ongoing work of our Virtual Schools Program, and encourage you to take a half hour to join one of the sessions.
I recognize that this is a traumatic time, particularly for our Indigenous colleagues. Let’s be mindful of this and be good to one another.
Sincerely,
Stephan
Public statement:
In remembering the thousands of children who never returned home and the survivors of the residential school system, we have lowered our McCaul Street flags to half-mast for 215 hours.
We will continue to use our Virtual School Program platform to honour and remember the 215 children, students of the Kamloops Residential School (Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nations community) and all those who never made it home and are still missing.
The violence against and deaths of 215 Indigenous children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School is a stark reminder of the history and ongoing reality faced by Indigenous Peoples within the borders of Canada. Non-Indigenous people living in Canada must face historical truths as settlers and arrivants. This is a reminder that settler colonialism is an ongoing process that continues to have present-day impacts on the lives of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples.
From 1863-1996, over 150,000 children were separated from their families and forced to attend the Indian Residential School System operated by the Canadian government and churches. The last residential school in Saskatchewan closed in 1996. The Truth and Reconciliation Report released on July 23, 2015 describes this policy as a “cultural genocide” targeting First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples.
The Art Gallery of Ontario operates on Michi Saagig Nishnawbe territory (Mississauga Anishinaabeg). Toronto is governed by treaty 13 between the Mississauga of the Credit and the Canadian government (1805, 2010). Since 1701, Toronto is governed by the Dish with One Spoon treaty between the Anishinabeg and the Haudenausonee to peaceably share resources. Prior to 1701, Toronto was also governed by a treaty between the Wendat confederacy and the Michi Saagig and Anishinaabeg. Toronto is home to large diverse urban Indigenous population.
The AGO is working to further truth and reconciliation by deepening efforts towards acknowledging and dismantling colonialism and anti-Indigenous racism in all areas and levels of our organization, including in our exhibitions, collections and art programming.