My Story

I acknowledge that racism has always been a part of today’s society in this day and age, while it’s sad and hard to admit that it exists on this planet. I am curious if it was created as a way of differentiating people, whom you have never seen or come across before. Then I begin to wonder do people see me for more than the culture and heritage I carry. Then I begin to question my own thought process, how do I see the world? It might be the location, life experiences in which I was brought up that may have shaped me into who I am today. I have been raised to show respect for who I am and where I come from and all other walks of life other people, elders, nature, the sea. That is a teaching that was passed down to me by my elders, that everything is alive and that we should respect it.That is a firm belief in my culture , and I do my best to practice it. My ancestors were exposed to a more harsh upbringing, living in the forefront of residential schools. Residential schools was an institution built to “educate,” but more assimilate them during colonialism.

“To take the Indian out of the child.”

I do not fully understand what my parents went through attending residential school, and never really will completely understand their experiences, I feel like I can only connect with and try to understand what they went through with whatever they are willing to share. As a result of this I have racial thoughts imposed upon me, and am impartial to having negative, and or racist feelings towards white people. Me only being a child I could recognize the hurt that fuelled these thoughts. Both of my parents have passed on and since then I have educated, and developed my ideology around race, and racism. Being a part of ‘Colour Theory- Anti-Racism,’ has motivated me to question and learn all of the different aspects around the theme of racism, and anti-racism.

I was inspired to join Colour Theory- Anti-Racism because it sounds scary, and exciting but most of all educational . I was curious to participate and wanted to meet other people and learn what other people’s thoughts about the theme of this exhibition and what kind of art would come out of this. I myself like to create art based around my culture, stories and mythical beings and teachings. Being a part of this exhibition has helped me challenge myself as a young artist, and grow and expand my knowledge and artistic abilities. While the subject seems daunting, like the big elephant in the room it is also a matter that is important and should be discussed in a safe manner, and thankfully so Angelique has provided that for us.

I myself have experienced Racism growing up, it was a hurtful experience being treated and talked to poorly because I am Indigenous. My first instinct is don’t engage, because I am a young Indigenous woman especially if I am by myself. It would be like putting myself in danger if I don’t choose my words or actions carefully. My mom always taught me “If you don’t have nothing nice to say don’t say nothing.” My parents taught me a lot in the short time I had to spend with them in my childhood.