About the Program
The Art of Reconciliation is a 3-month program that takes place virtually and on the Lekwungen Territory, otherwise known as the home of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
The Art of Reconciliation project will explore the attitudes, feelings and beliefs Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth have towards Reconciliation and through that process, express their reflections by making art. Some of that artwork will be created for the general public to interact with and possibly inspire them to reflect on their own feelings about reconciliation, as only art can do.
The Art of Reconciliation draws on research supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Mental Health Resources
Throughout the program, we invite participants to check-in with themselves and reach out for additional support if required.
Below is a list of resources.
Mental Health Resources for Indigenous & Non-Indigenous Youth
Grieving Together
We want to acknowledge that this is a challenging time for many Indigenous people.
While we grieve and mourn the loss of not just the Indigenous children discovered at former residential schools, but all children and survivors impacted by the legacy and ongoing harm caused by the Indian Residential School system, we recognize that framing a program around the term ‘reconciliation’ is complex and problematic.
However, through the program we welcome participants to learn about and actively challenge the space of reconciliation. We invite community to come together and process ideas around reconciliation, while working towards shared understanding and solutions.
The River We Carve
Join us at the Esquimalt Community Arts Hub from August 4 - September 3 to view The River We Carve.
Artwork in the exhibit was created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth working through the Art of Reconciliation program.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. Visit our Contact page for hours, location, parking and accessibility.
Image credit: Dahlila Charlie, Matriarch’s Dream. On view at the arts hub.
Meet the Participants
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Nicole Achtymichuk
Nicole Achtymichuk (she/her) is an emerging curator of Ukrainian and Dutch descent. She was born on Treaty 7 territory and has resided on stolen lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ lands since 2016. Nicole holds a B.Sc. in Anthropology from the University of Victoria, and is committed to decolonizing institutions by rethinking how space and resources are used.
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Sophie Ladd
Sophie Ladd is an Art History Master’s student at the University of Victoria. She will be graduating in April 2022 and her main interest and hope is to work with in Community and Youth programming. That is how she found herself involved with ECAH starting in February 2021. Sophie has always had an interest in Indigenous issues and arts, growing stronger these past few years. When the opportunity came to join the Art of Reconciliation program, she felt it was an pivotal chance to learn with and from peers (Indigenous and non-Indigenous).
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April Gallicano
Hi there! My name is April Gallicano and I have lived on the unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lək̓ʷəŋən Nations my entire life. My ancestry is mixed European and South Asian, which is sometimes where I get my inspiration from, but most of my work is inspired by the natural world around us. Over the past year I have been reconnecting with my passion for creating things with my hands, and I have been getting drawn to fiber arts and painting. What was once a hobby of mine is now a large part of my life, and I am so grateful for this opportunity to share my work with you.
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Bekah Hagan Ahenda
Bekah (she/her) is a writer, artist, and local pastor who loves meaningful conversations, not taking herself too seriously, and the Fast and the Furious movies.
She and her husband Mark gratefully make their home at the base of PKOLS, the sacred space which lies between W̱SÁNEĆ and Lək̓ʷəŋən traditional territory. She is of English, Italian, and Russian Mennonite descent. Ahenda is her husband’s last name and he is of Luo (Kenyan) and German Mennonite descent.
Bekah is a recovering overachiever with high functioning anxiety which is not a great combo but she’s figuring out how to slow down and leave behind the teachings and beliefs that hold her (and us) back through art and community.
Her core values are healing, hope, vulnerability, and friendship.
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Emma Sainte-Marie
Emma was born and raised in Victoria British-Columbia (traditional Lukwengen territory). She is a nineteen-year-old performer, writer, and artist. In June 2021, she graduated with a Diploma of Performing Arts from the Canadian College of Performing Arts, and will continue pursuing her passion for music with Berklee College of Music Online in the Fall. Emma loves many artistic disciplines, usually focusing on performing and writing, but also visual arts. She enjoys painting with acrylic paint and creating mixed media pieces. Emma also enjoys fashion, design, and makeup artistry. She finds nature very inspiring, including flowers, rain, ocean, and stars. In Emma’s art, there are often people or faces, nature and symbolism, bright colours, and a variety of textures.
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Dahlila Charlie
I am a Coast Salish artist from Victoria, BC. I grew up surrounded by artistic and creative people which has inspired me to become an artist myself. I draw from stories, myths and cultural teachings.
I incorporate Coast Salish formline with nature and realism in acrylic paint, my preferred medium. Painting has always been a passion of mine.
I learned how to paint in high school and then worked on murals in Victoria. I continue learning from mentors and teaching myself techniques. Through my artwork I connect to my roots as an Indigenous woman.
I use art to share my thoughts, ideas, and to evolve as an artist.
Information for Participants
- APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED -
Indigenous & Non-Indigenous Youth
The Art of Reconciliation welcomes Indigenous & non-Indigenous youth participants between the ages of 18 - 29 years old, residing on the Lekwungen and WSANEC Territories (CRD and Greater Victoria).
Virtual Sessions on Zoom
The program is made up of approximately 14 Zoom sessions.
Supplies Provided
You will be provided with art making supplies to fully participate in the program and to help with the creation of your art piece for the final exhibit.
Documentation & Reporting
Participants will be invited to document and report their attitudes, thoughts and feelings around reconciliation throughout the program. The University of Victoria will oversee the collection of this material and comply with the Human Research Ethics Board.
We are documenting this project to share with other communities who may want to lead their own versions of the Art of Reconciliation. Documenting the project will show why more reconciliation-based programs are needed and the impact of these activities.
The Art of Reconciliation draws on research supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Mental Health & Wellness
Throughout the program, we invite participants to check-in with themselves and reach out for additional support if required.
Below is a list of resources.
Mental Health Resources for Indigenous & Non-Indigenous Youth
First Nations Health Authority Resources
Tsow-Tun Le Lum Helping House Resources
Benefits to Participants
$250 honorarium provided for program and research completion
Work with skilled Indigenous & non-Indigenous mentors and teachers
Receive valuable training about art making, reconciliation and Indigenous justice
Showcase artwork at a public art exhibit
Gain hands-on work experience conceptualizing, designing and curating an art exhibit at a public gallery in Esquimalt
Receive a statement of program completion and publicly recognized for your contributions to the program
This opportunity would be an asset to youth considering a career in social justice, diversity and inclusion, arts and culture, Indigenous leadership and/or education.
List of Workshops & Sessions
Program Orientation
Participants will come together, introduce themselves and share attitudes & beliefs about reconciliation. The research element of the program will be discussed.
Learning About the Lekwungen Territory
Representatives from the Songhees & Esquimalt Nations will share their unique history and stories.
Picking Up the Pieces:
The Making of the Witness Blanket
Participants will watch Picking Up the Pieces, a documentary produced by Carey Newman. A discussion will explore the power of using art to deal with complicated themes of reconciliation.
Supportive Art Making
Led by Debbie Douez, art therapist, these sessions will help participants unpack and explore their attitudes and ideas around reconciliation as the program unfolds.
Understanding Indigenous &
Colonial History
A common understanding our of shared history will be shared by the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. There will be open discussion and time for Q&A.
Art & Exhibit Creation
Participants will work with a facilitator to learn more about art making and how to curate an art exhibit for the public.
