It is important to understand and be aware of our cultural diverse world. This year has been a long yet short year for one but doesn’t it feel crazy that you can now take part in history and make a difference. Canada’s past is dark and full of racism but there are still so many stories about First Nations struggles that have gone untold. In order to make a change in our world we must know about the past and learn so we can grow. No change ever happens overnight but as long as we work towards it we can.
At UBC there are many stories being told by artists at their Museum of Anthropology. One story in particular is the 150 year past of Canada. The story is called Shame and Prejudice: A Story on Resilience and it is by Kent Monkman. The journey “Reclaims and reinserts Indigenous voices into the collective memory of our country, challenging and shattering colonial ideas of our history.”
The story itself is narrated by an alter ego, Miss Chief Eagle Testickle. Miss Chief is a gender fluid, time-travelling ego of Monkman and it is told through the lens of indigenous resilience. In the story we are led through New France and Confederation into the urban environment of Winnipeg’s North End and the contemporary life on the reserve.
This journey provides an insight on the negative effects of Canada’s colonial policies past and present. Monkman explains,
“The last 150 years—the period of Modernity—represents the most devastating period for First Peoples, including the signing of the numbered treaties, the reserve system, genocidal policies of the residential schools.”
80 pieces are featured at this exhibition which includes Monkmans very own paintings, sculptures and installations. Historical artifacts have been loaned from other museums and private collections in Canada for it as well.
The MOA is open to visit with safety protocols and social distancing measures in place in order to keep everyone safe. The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. All admission is on a timed entry basis therefore all bookings must be done online beforehand. If you are indigenous you are offered free entry into this exhibit!
Click here to buy tickets.