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.
