“A Path Forward” is a permanent and evolving exhibit co-curated by the Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre, the Downie Wenjack Fund, and The County Museums. The exhibit explores Truth & Reconciliation efforts in the County through history, heritage, and Indigenous works of art and story.

The artwork of Theresa Brant is displayed at A Path Forward’s Reflection Room. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)

Contemporary works of art and story created by Indigenous artists are combined in a way that speaks both to the historical importance and presence of Indigenous people in Prince Edward County, and to the fact that the Mohawk, Mississauga, Wendat (Huron), and other nations who have called this area home are living communities with a future, as well as a past.

A series of stunning works of art by Indigenous artists Angela Wiggins, Tom Wilson, and Tewateronhiakhwa, among others, are woven together throughout the former St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church at Macaulay Park. Colour is everywhere, in giant wall murals, in paintings on pillars, on pathways, and all around the church’s distinctive Gothic window wells. A giant wampum belt made of wood and sinew hangs over the whole.

Tyendinaga Mohawk carver Trevor Brant has a number of pieces featured, including two carved antler works and a 5,000-beaded belt entitled “Broken Spirits, Taken Back” that tells of the path of Haudenosaunee and Onkwehon:we children prior to their contact with European visitors, the promises made by the government to educate Indigenous youth, and the post-residential aftermath when so many children left the schools broken spirited. Or didn’t leave at all.

“The title of the show says it all,” Mr. Brant. “When you know the truth, then the respect will come.”

Carver Trevor Brant has several works at A Path Forward. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)

Theresa Brant’s work is featured in the Reflection Room. “Honouring Our Sisters” remembers the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women. “It was an emotional work and I just kept telling myself ‘They aren’t going to be forgotten’,” said the artist.

Ms. Brant agreed that now, more any other time in the shared history of European settlers and Indigenous peoples, the door for truth and knowledge sharing is finally open.

The work of over 20 artists will be exhibited in a combination of permanent and evolving displays. The blend of contemporary art, story, and an ongoing historical narrative tells of how Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Prince Edward County are moving forward toward reconciliation – together.

-With files from Jason Parks

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