RECONCILIATION THROUGH ART


RECONCILIATION
THROUGH ART
An event to coincide with the
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

RECONCILIATION
THROUGH ART
An Event to Coincide with the
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

RECONCILIATION
THROUGH ART
An Event to Coincide with the
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

RECONCILIATION
THROUGH ART
An event to coincide with the
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

RECONCILIATION
THROUGH ART
An Event to Coincide with the
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Donate to the Kooshkopayiw Métis Artist Collective

RECONCILIATION
THROUGH ART
An Event to Coincide with the
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Donate to the Kooshkopayiw Métis Artist Collective

RECONCILIATION
THROUGH ART
An event to coincide with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

RECONCILIATION
THROUGH ART
An Event to Coincide with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

RECONCILIATION
THROUGH ART
An Event to Coincide with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
EVENT RECAP
Reconciliation Through Art was a unique and uplifting event that coincided with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event united communities through art, performances, dialogue and storytelling from local and Indigenous artists.
Date:
September 30th, 2024
Location:
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, Almonte, ON
Art Exhibition:
Local and Indigenous artists from across Ontario were featured in the Museum's Gallery. They sold their art, explained and demonstrated their craft, and told their stories as well as the significance behind their pieces.
Workshops & Storytelling:
In the Millworkers Learning Centre, upstairs from the Gallery, Indigenous educators, dancers, and musicians delivered workshops, presentations, and storytelling throughout the day.
School Presentations:
Indigenous educators and storytellers visited local schools throughout the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and delivered classroom presentations and shared teachings and reflections.
Special Screening:
A special screening of WaaPaKe ("Tomorrow") was held on Sunday, September 29th, at the Almonte United Church Sanctuary.
Live Stream:
Key events from the Reconciliation Through Art programme were live-streamed through a special collaboration with NationTalk, Canada's largest Indigenous-owned newswire and communications platform. Don't worry, videos of all of the speakers, storytellers and performances can be found below!
Event Details
Overview
Reconciliation Through Art is a fundraising event for Kooshkopayiw (Awakening) Métis Artist Collective and initiative to promote and support other Indigenous artists and artisans. The event features an Indigenous Art Exhibition, Storytelling and Performances.
Date
September 30th, 2024
Location
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, Almonte, Ontario
LOOKING BACK AT THE EVENT
LOOKING BACK AT
THE EVENT

Artists & Vendors
Learn more about the dozens of local and Indigenous artists who were in attendance to share the beauty and stories of their creations.


Additional Media
If you'd like to check out additional interviews with NationTalk, CBC's Ontario Today, or In Town and Out, scroll down or click the button below!

EVENT VIDEOS
Use the menu below to watch videos from Reconciliation Through Art. Whether you're interested in learning from Indigenous knowledge holders, want to watch a mesmerizing performance, or learn more about the lasting impacts of residential schools, there's something for everyone to watch and learn from.
Event Video Menu

Artists & Vendors
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EVENT COMMITTEE
Thank you to all of the Reconciliation Through Art committee members whose hard work, dedication and expertise make this amazing event possible!
Chair
Tony Belcourt
Vice-Chair
Pamela Steele
Finance Chair
Jo Anne Young
Programme Chair
David Finkle
Pikwakanagan First Nation Liaison
Anne Noonan
Communications & Promotion Support
Sheila Grantham
Almonte Liaison
Lynn Melbourne
Kooshkopayiw Liaison
George Simard
Schools Liaison
Margie Graff
Logistical Coordinator & Liaison/Support for Artists, Performers and Presenters
David Joliffe
Ahlena Sultana
Social Media
Leticia Rangel Terrazas
Media & Public Relations
Elder Doris Lanigan Provides Opening Prayer
Teaching by Dan Kohoko, Former Councillor of Pikwakanagan First Nation
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Thank you to all of the community organizations and advisors whose collaborative efforts and expertise make Reconciliation Through Art possible!
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Sivarulrasa Gallery
Sanjeev Sivarulrasa
Mississippi Mills All My Relations
Team Effort
Thank you to all of the Reconciliation Through Art committee members whose hard work, dedication and expertise make this amazing event possible!
Chair
Tony Belcourt
Finance Chair
Jo Anne Young
Pikwakanagan First Nation Liaison
Anne Noonan
Almonte Liaison
Lynn Melbourne
Schools Liaison
Margie Graff
Logistical Coordinator & Liaison/Support for Artists, Performers and Presenters
Leticia Rangel Terrazas
Vice-Chair
Pamela Steele
Programme Chair
David Finkle
Communications & Promotion Support
Sheila Grantham
Kooshkopayiw Liaison
George Simard
Social Media
Ahlena Sultana
Media & Public Relations
David Joliffe
ADVISORS & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Thank you to all of the community organizations and advisors whose collaborative efforts and expertise make Reconciliation Through Art possible!
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
Michael Rikley-Lancaster
Sivarulrasa Gallery
Sanjeev Sivarulrasa
Mississippi Mills All My Relations
Team Effort
PARTNERS & SPONSORS


Kristy Cameron, a teacher and visual artist, was born and raised in Atikokan, Ontario, the Canoe Capital of Canada. As a Métis artist and descendant of numerous fur trade employees, she often incorporates Indigenous and historical content into her art. With this history and culture, we often see spiritual weavings throughout her pieces which evoke sensations such as mystery, energy, contentment, and joyfulness. Kristy's art can be found in private and public collections, such as the Archives of Ontario, the Kenora Justice Centre, the Canadian Museum of History, and various school boards and social agencies. She has collaborated with various authors to illustrate books and stories such as The Seven Sacred Teachings and Meet Your Family; these books have been highly used by educators nationwide.
Kristy Cameron
Reconciliation Through Art MC, David Finkle, Welcomes Online Viewers to the Event
Teaching On Historic Great Lakes Metis Communities by Zac Thiffault
Anishinabek Knowledge Keeper Isaac Murdoch on Métis and First Nations History with the War of 1812 and the Robinson Huron Treaty
Teaching by Barb and Dianne Cooke on Impact of Indian Residential School on Their Family
Métis Elder Doris Lanigan on Impact of Indian Residential School and 60's Scoop on Her Family
Papase Youth Drum Group and Jingle Dress Dancer Amanda Fox
Teaching by Nish Nabie on First Nations Wood & Antler Carving
Teaching on Inuit Drum Dancing by David Serkoak
Teaching by Métis Fiddler Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuck
Storytelling on Métis Dances by Riley McKenzie
Teaching by Crystal Martin on Inuit Throat Singing
George Simard, Sculptor and Chair, Kooshkopayiw Métis Artist Collective

NationTalk
In this interview, NationTalk sits down with the Honourable Tony Belcourt to discuss the upcoming Reconciliation Through Art event in Almonte, Ontario. Join us as we explore how art, culture, and storytelling contribute to healing and reconciliation within Indigenous communities and beyond.


Who are You Remembering on This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Honourable Tony Belcourt was a guest on CBC’s Ontario Today on September 30th. During the half hour call in show, Tony was on air, and responded to listener’s questions and comments about the recommendations of the National Commission on Truth and Reconciliation. The recommendations and Calls to Action by the Inquiry were much on the minds of the listeners.

Performance by David Finkle on Flutes and Aurora Jade on Keyboard
Professional photographer Rik Walton was on site to take photographs of the amazing artists, performers, speakers and storytellers at Reconciliation Through Art. Check out some of the best moments from the day below!
If you would like to find out who is speaking, teaching, or performing in the photographs, simply hover over the image to learn more.
Performance by Kevin "Tennessee Cree" Schofield and Violet Blacksmith
Opening Ceremony
Artists and Vendors
Truth Telling
Teachings
Performances
RAFFLE WINNERS
An amazing raffle featuring Indigenous art and other prizes from local businesses took place during Reconciliation Through Art. Check out the full list of prizes and winners below!
Amanda Pierce: ‘Hive of Forgotten Earth’ Encaustic Art
Winner: Carole Martin
Aurora Finkle: ‘Deer Woman' Earrings
Winner: Chandler Swain
Dandelion Foods: ‘Gift Basket’
Winner: Jayne Stoddart
Equator Coffee: ‘Gift Basket & Three 1lb Bags of Coffee’
Winner: Anonymous
Fern Burntwood: ‘Shadow People’ Print
Winner: Lynn Carss
Fern Burntwood: ‘Stolen Identities’ Print
Winner: Sam Loney
Hummingbird Chocolate: ‘Peanut Butter Cup’
Winner: Michelle Sparzynski
Jennifer Brant: ‘Coaster & Hanging Slippers’
Winner: Kerron Lamb
Just Good Compost: ‘Gift Certificate’
Winner: Carole Martin
Kristy Cameron: ‘Paddler’s Rest’ Painting
Winner: Evelyn Ironside
Lynn Melbourne: ‘Chanie “Charlie” Wenjack’ Painted Portrait
Winner: Lisa Jackson
Marie-Louise Perron: ‘Québec - Les Ramparts’ Photo
Winner: Sandy Irvin
Marie-Louise Perron: ‘Rue Sous-Le Fort’ Photo
Winner: Anonymous
Monica Loney: ‘Nested Memories’ Ink on Paper, Unframed
Winner: Anonymous
Pam Cailloux: ‘Morning Prayer’ Print
Winner: Lisa Cummings
Patti Belanger: ‘Heritage and Culture’ Giclee Print
Winner: Anonymous
Riley Demery: ‘Blooming Beginnings’ Beaded Flower
Winner: Lisa Cummings
Roxanne Shank: ‘Quilting’ Bedrunner
Winner: Nicole Therrien
Samantha Case: ‘Beaded Earrings’
Winner: Lynn Carss
Theresa Brant: ‘Sacred Waters’ Painting
Winner: Jane Arbique
Turtle Lodge Trading Post: ‘Smudge Bundle’
Winner: Pat Belanger
Performance by Aurora Jade on Keyboard
Tony Belcourt Introduces Performance by Amanda Rheaume
Performance by Amanda Rheaume
Closing Song by Amanda Rheaume
Land Acknowledgement by Sue Evans
Welcome Remarks by Métis Nation of Ontario Regional Councillor Andy Dufresne
Welcome Remarks by Reconciliation Through Art Vice-Chair, Pamela Steele
Welcome Remarks by Almonte Mayor Christa Lowry
Welcome Remarks on Behalf of Indigenous Reconciliation Fund by Kimberly Walsh
Welcome Remarks by Michael Rikley-Lancaster, Director of Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
ADDITIONAL MEDIA

Tony Belcourt Tells About the Almonte Event "Reconciliation Through Art"
The Reconciliation Through Art event was an opportunity to reflect on the lives lost and the intergenerational trauma of the Indian Residential School System. It was also an opportunity to focus on reconciliation and provide greater knowledge about the history, culture and values of Indigenous peoples as told through almost 30 First Nations, Metis and Inuit artists, storytellers, teachings and performances. Over 1000 people attended the day-long event at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte, Ontario.


Artist Amanda Pierce at Almonte's and Chelsea's Truth and Reconciliation Events
Cree-Métis encaustic artist Amanda Pierce was interviewed on CBC Radio’s In Town and Out on September 28th. She is a workshop teacher who reported that reconciliation happens in every interaction with her students. She spoke to Amanda Putz at her La Fab sur Mill Gallery - workshop space in Chelsea, Quebec. Amanda Pierce exhibited and sold her art at the Reconciliation Through Art event in Almonte on September 30th.


Who are You Remembering on This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Honourable Tony Belcourt was a guest on CBC’s Ontario Today on September 30th. During the half hour call in show, Tony was on air, and responded to listener’s questions and comments about the recommendations of the National Commission on Truth and Reconciliation. The recommendations and Calls to Action by the Inquiry were much on the minds of the listeners.
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Tony Belcourt Tells About the Almonte Event "Reconciliation Through Art"
The Reconciliation Through Art event was an opportunity to reflect on the lives lost and the intergenerational trauma of the Indian Residential School System. It was also an opportunity to focus on reconciliation and provide greater knowledge about the history, culture and values of Indigenous peoples as told through almost 30 First Nations, Metis and Inuit artists, storytellers, teachings and performances. Over 1000 people attended the day-long event at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte, Ontario.
.jpg)
Artist Amanda Pierce at Almonte's and Chelsea's Truth and Reconciliation Events
Cree-Métis encaustic artist Amanda Pierce was interviewed on CBC Radio’s In Town and Out on September 28th. She is a workshop teacher who reported that reconciliation happens in every interaction with her students. She spoke to Amanda Putz at her La Fab sur Mill Gallery - workshop space in Chelsea, Quebec. Amanda Pierce exhibited and sold her art at the Reconciliation Through Art event in Almonte on September 30th.