Returning and reviewing

Returning to BC where I make my home I am shocked and dismayed to learn of the arrests at Gidim’ten checkpoint on Wet’suwet’en territory near Houston. I read of armed RCMP forces breaking down barriers and arresting Indigenous elders, protectors of their lands. I see images of peaceful protestors put to the ground and handcuffed. My distress  more intensely felt in the context of my healing inquiry in my Calgary residency.

So much in two short weeks. My intention to re-enliven my arts-based research practice  was well met in this residency. The walking, gathering, listening, learning with place and people broke down a fear barrier I had been encountering, as I sought to find a way through my art to engage in the question of settler and Indigenous relationships. I am no longer afraid of saying the wrong thing, I am learning and in so doing becoming more attuned to…