10/01/2026
Today at the Prince Albert Historical Museum, we gathered in their room called āThe Gathering Place.ā
Mann Art Gallery organized a workshop for Culture Days, where we did jigsaw relief printmaking ā ten spots filled and everyone had a great time, which Iām so thankful for! Iāve never lead one of these without my peers before, so this was a very big step.
In addition to thisā¦on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (a.k.a. Orange Shirt Day) we remember the survivors of residential schools, the children who never made it home, the people who live through this weight of intergenerational trauma, who do their best to heal and live onā¦ Iām reminded of how this history has shaped my family, the struggle with addictions, mental health, complex relationships (and so much more) are painfully prevalent every dayā¦ but today these struggles are seen, for all of us.
During the workshop, we spoke about the impact of art and its ability to nurture healing, community, enrichment, expression, connectionāallowing a much needed release deep within us. Knowing this, arts and cultural programmingās importance goes beyond whatās on the surfaceāitās a form of preventative and reparative care for vulnerable peoples.
This consideration weighed heavier than ever today, especially since we lost my uncle Will very recently. The wound is fresh, and I wonder what could have been different if we had more systemic supports, more community, more love, more acceptance. He did his best to the bitter end, he loved and cared more deeply than anyone else, and weāll all miss his presence terribly.
I hope, despite all of the growing residential school denialismā¦ the racismā¦ the complacency around indigenous rights and systemic injustices we faceā¦ everyone can remember what today was for, everyone can protect the sanctity of what it means, and remember that there are those alongside you who are deserving of care.
Special thanks to Michelle from Prince Albert Historical Museum, Lindsay Sorell and Faith from Mann Art Gallery, and my friends and family for the encouragement to take on today.
Be gentle with yourselves, thanks for reading, I love you all š§”
