Gallery@501 exhibit features art showcasing identity displacement and cultural genocide

The Gallery@501 is pleased to present The Art of Truth and Reconciliation by Indigenous artist George Littlechild. This exhibit opens on March 9 and is on display until April 29, 2018.

The public is invited to listen to George Littlechild speak about his work at the exhibit’s reception on March 9 at 7 p.m. at Gallery@501 (501 Festival Avenue, Sherwood Park). Through his art, he discusses identity displacement and cultural genocide from a personal experience.

Littlechild was part of a large-scale scoop of Indigenous children from their homes and communities into white adoptive or foster families in the 1950’s and 1960’s. It wasn’t until he was in his twenties that he reconnected with the Maskwacis community (formerly known as Hobbema) that his birth family was from. He met uncles, aunts and siblings he never knew he had, but unfortunately did not meet his parents as they had already passed away. His mother and both of his grandparents attended residential schools.

Littlechild delivers his work to audiences to create a dialogue between both the Indigenous communities and the Colonial communities as a healing method and a shared experience. More information or call 780-410-8585.

This exhibit is part of Strathcona County’s commitment to improving the community’s understanding of Treaty Six history and stories, and to taking actions that support the path to reconciliation.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact:  Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595