Indigenizing and Reconciling Colonization, or, Witnessing Art and Indigeneity Off the Reserve

• In Event: 45.089 - Visualizations, Eyewitnesses, and History Education

Abstract

Based on a qualitative research project situated in Canada, I examined artistic indigenous responses to the TRC to explore the challenges facing history educators when working towards decolonizing history education and specifically understanding the Indigenous/Settler relationship in present day. Following the work of scholars in the emerging field of decolonization and decolonial theory, this research shows how indigenous artists unpack a dominant hegemonic relationship which has been codified and implemented in Canadian society. By examining an art exhibition and the artists’ commentary on the experience calls settler audience members to bear witness to the legacy of residential schools with the hope of moving forward.

Author

• Brenda M. Trofanenko, University of Illinois