Truth and Reconciliation Art Installation

As the annual observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, Southcentre Mall and CIF Reconciliation Society are proud to present a new art installation featuring a variety of works from local Indigenous artists, which will be located in Southcentre’s Sporting Life Court from September 18th-30th. This commemorative installation will feature four pieces of art each from seven participating artists, representing personal experiences and interpretations of Indigenous culture and the ongoing process of reconciliation. In addition, a free beading workshop will be open to the public at Indigenous retailer Manitobah from 12-3pm on September 24th where participants will learn how to bead an Orange Shirt Day pin (please register in advance by calling (403) 452-5769). In Indigenous ways of knowing, four and seven are both sacred numbers, which is why the exhibition will feature 28 panels in a four by seven grid. The number four, represents balance in a number of different ways, including the four seasons, the four directions and the four areas of self – mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional. The four colours and sections of the medicine wheel also hold knowledge which help guide Indigenous Peoples in cultural teachings. The number seven represents the seven generations that came before – their ancestors, the seven sacred grandfather teachings, as well as the seven generations to come. Additionally, the seven sacred teachings are love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth. These are the guiding values that Indigenous Peoples use in their interactions with each other and are key to preserving balance and peace in a community.