An exhibit portraying the history behind Canada’s residential school system will be on display at Rocky View Schools’ (RVS) Education Centre in Airdrie from March 4-19.
The project is an initiative of A Legacy of Hope Foundation and had been dubbed ‘100 Years of Loss’ and will address the legacy First Nations, Inuit and Metis children who were removed from their families and placed in residential schools throughout the country.
The exhibit, which includes photographs, works of art, primary documents and research material, is intended to highlight the experience and impact residential schools had on aboriginal peoples from the 1880s to present day.
A discussion-based mobile exhibition workshop, 100 Years of Loss targets students between the ages of 11-18, taking them through the history of residential schools by raising their awareness and challenging stereotypes.
Teresa Cardinal, a First Nations/Metis/Inuit learning specialist for RVS, said it is important to develop a strong understanding of the history and culture of aboriginal communities.
She said, “100 Years of Loss is a great example of a culturally relevant resource that can help create a dialogue around the legacy of residential schools and build an understanding of the connection that exists between the system and the social issues currently affecting various aboriginal communities across Canada.”
A bilingual exhibition exploring the residential school system in Canada will be held on March 6 with the opening night event running from 6-8 p.m. RVS is hoping students, parents, staff and community members will come out to the event.
There is no cost to attend the exhibit, but non-perishable donations will be accepted for the Airdrie Food Bank.
The exhibit tours across Canada, visiting schools throughout the country.
Anyone wishing to attend opening night are asked to RSVP Cardinal at [email protected] by March 4.
Schools wanting to tour the 100 Years of Loss mobile exhibition are also to contact Cardinal to arrange a date.
