The arts have always been a source of solace and healing, and I believe that in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic, our children will need the arts more than ever. All children and youth deserve to have the space to creatively reflect on their experiences in life, which assists them in feeling more grounded as they explore their own thoughts and emotions amidst a chaotic world. Art holds the power to create spaces of peace, sanctuary and safety. These are all characteristics of an environment that is needed more than ever for our students.
This project was a year-long artistic exchange across distance between myself, Guna (Megan) Jensen, in the Yukon and Thunderbird students in Vancouver. Through a series of pre-recorded videos, I shared important aspects of Island Tlingit culture and guided students into individual art projects using both conventional and unconventional materials, allowing students to respond in safe and meaningful ways. After the completion of each project, I met with classes through Teams for a time of dialogue and sharing together. Cultural themes encompass speaking to the Land, beading, Tlingit language, dance and formline. These themes of culture are intertwined with universal concepts such as friendship, strength, courage, and personal and collective healing by strengthening the connections of our community.
As a Tlingit instructor, I see it as a responsibility to always utilize Indigenous-based methodologies that will assist students to develop the capacity to engage in topics and discussions of culture and diversity. The removal of prejudices is of paramount importance, as this too plays an integral role in students developing unity in their classrooms. Unity, solidarity and healing are at the heart of this project, and this is what the world is in need of most right now, and in the years to come. This work is necessary and vital if we are to even begin speaking of participating in reconciliation.
I will return to Vancouver to work outside with students to paint a large scale Tlingit Style Thunderbird on a designated area of the outside wall of the school that incorporates art contributions by all the students in the school. The intention is to provide a beautiful visual reflection to commemorate the difficult months of being separated from our community and our friends and how we endured and persevered - and became a stronger community because of it.
STUDENTS QUOTES
Student reflections capture the power of connection with one another through the sharing of culture.
“Listening to Ms. Guna talk about culture and language made me feel comfortable talking about my own culture too.”
“I learned that sometimes it just takes time to make something beautiful.”
“These classes have helped me understand how hard but beautiful the Tlingit art form is to learn.”
“I learned how to dance like a warrior.”
“I loved working with all the different beautiful colours.”
“Before I didn’t really know who raven was, but now I do.”
“Dancing with Guna reminded me what it was like being in my old home. That’s how we used to dance there.”
“I think culture is beautiful.”