Understanding indigenous arts matters because they are of a different kind and make you journey through time. They tell stories and educate. Native arts take you on a journey painted of human struggle, but of beauty. Their ingenuity depicts a path filled with sadness, but with pride and resilience. Ultimately, they uphold a sacred legacy to preserve. Get on a a journey towards understanding indigenous arts. Read through to discover these insightful native voices
I had the chance to attend two Native gatherings in Montreal, Quebec, and in Ottawa, Ontario. Both times, I felt a surge of emotions since guests were taken on the path of aboriginal history.
The Montreal workshop provided the audience with an insightful window into indigenous life in Canada. We learned about their struggle, their pride, their courage, and their pledge for ultimate peace.
We also tasted delicious indigenous dishes and admired captivating pieces of native arts.
An Emotional Exercise
The Ottawa’s gathering was an intense workshop with role plays that took every participant to relive an indigenous personal experience through time in the Canadian landscape.
They say seeing in believing. I’d say feeling is believing to a greater extent, feeling is understanding. I think it is from such beliefs that this indigenous group invites Canadians of all backgrounds to participate in an exercise to walk a mile in an indigenous person’s shoes.
Photo by Paul Gino Ulysse Photography
Through emotional role plays, participants learned about Native history in Canada. After the story was unfolded, we got to touch the feather of peace and was able to feel this deep human connection. There was a call to stop fighting one another, to forgive, and instead to start building together. One thing I learned during these meetings was the importance of learning and acknowledging the truth because this will free your soul. You will then be free to forgive, to understand, and accept others. You will be free to love, freed of fear.
Arts that Tell Stories
The native pride, courage, resilience, and love of the land are present through every piece of art. Look at these pieces of arts and immerse yourself through resilient love. Travel through time with this native art beauty as part of Part of the Art in the Capital Project – Nākatēyimisowin – Taking Care of Oneself.
