WARNING: This story contains details of experiences at residential schools.
An innovative art display at Gore Park prompts individuals to contemplate the heritage of Canada’s inaugural prime minister and reclaims the area where his sculpture was once situated in Hamilton.
To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Indigenous production company Bawaadan Collective introduced Right to Repossess, an installation featuring an embodiment of Mother Earth positioned on top of the former pedestal of Sir John A. Macdonald.
In the wake of protesters dismantling Macdonald’s statue in Gore Park in August 2021, scrutiny over Macdonald’s historical role in establishing Canada’s residential school system intensified. This system compelled approximately 150,000 Indigenous children to depart from their families to attend these institutions.
Just over five years post the statue’s removal, artists within the collective, along with members of the public, convened at an event on Wednesday afternoon, endorsed by the City of Hamilton. Indigenous advocate Jordan Carrier highlighted that the event’s commencement time, 2:15 p.m., was symbolic of the revelation of potential unmarked graves discovered at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site in 2021.
Shyann Jenkins, a Hamilton-raised individual residing in St. Catharines, Ont., delivered a traditional jingle dress dance at Gore Park. Jenkins expressed her presence during the statue’s removal as a pivotal moment and emphasized the healing power of her dance movements in absorbing pain and trauma.
Following the dance performance, Carrier distributed orange paper hearts to attendees, allowing them to inscribe commitments to residential school survivors and Indigenous communities. These hearts were then strung around the statue’s pedestal.
Reflecting on the installation, Bawaadan member Yuma Hester described Right to Repossess as their debut public art project. Hester conveyed gratitude to those engaging with the artwork, noting that each artist likely interprets the piece uniquely. Hester expressed that the essence of the piece, from his perspective, symbolizes nature’s supremacy over all civilizations.
Furthermore, collective members shared their personal sentiments with CBC Hamilton regarding the installation and event. Katsitiaráse (Joni) Squire-Hill highlighted that the piece was crafted using natural elements like willow, cedar pine, and corn husk — materials associated with alleviating grief and fostering personal growth within Indigenous communities.
Utilizing clay to recreate the features of the Macdonald statue, Jessica Laight, a resident of Six Nations, underscored the significance of raising awareness about residential schools, acknowledging her familial connection to someone who attended such a school.
While contributing to the internal structure of the figure, Luke Jeffries expressed his satisfaction in supporting the Hamilton community, despite his skepticism towards the national day, labeling it as a superficial gesture lacking genuine accountability.
Teyonehrahtawénrye Ashley Maracle, another collective member, emphasized the educational value of the project, particularly noting the involvement of individuals from her son’s school in Six Nations. Maracle stressed the collective responsibility for healing, transcending individual discomfort.
Exhibit Encourages Reevaluation of Views on Macdonald
The Right to Repossess site features informative signage, including an artist’s statement and details about Macdonald originally published by Parks Canada. Visitors are prompted to reflect on potential shifts in their perceptions of Macdonald after encountering the installation.
Bawaadan intends to relocate the installation within the city after its removal on Saturday.
From 1857 to 1996, government or church-run residential schools operated, inflicting severe harm on Indigenous communities, as revealed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s comprehensive investigation. The TRC report outlined 94 calls to action, of which 15 have been implemented thus far.
Macdonald Statue Held in Storage
Following the toppling of the Macdonald statue in 2021, the City of Hamilton initiated a review of its landmarks and monuments to address Indigenous and historical representations. The future of the monument remains undecided, with plans to engage Indigenous communities and the public in future deliberations.
Notably, Right to Repossess received financial support through a city grant initiative.
The event at Gore Park was part of a series of activities commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the Hamilton region
