BRUCE COUNTY – In honour of Indigenous History Month, Bruce County unveiled its latest commissioned artwork, a piece by local Indigenous artist Brent Henry entitled Survivor Number Three, that will be prominently displayed at the Walkerton Administration Centre.
Following the discovery of unmarked gravesites at several former residential schools across Canada in 2022, and as part of the county’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation, a painting by Henry was commissioned by the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre. Bruce County has an impressive collection of over 80 pieces, from many talented artists who call Bruce County home.
“We are honoured to have Brent Henry’s work be part of this collection; it serves as a call to action towards our shared path of reconciliation,” said Warden Janice Jackson
Henry was born in Owen Sound and raised in Southampton. His debut show was at the Southampton Art Gallery in July 2021, and he was commissioned by the Town of Saugeen Shores to complete a painting for Truth and Reconciliation Day. Most recently, Henry’s work was featured in a solo show at the Tom Thompson Art Gallery in February 2022.
At the June 1 unveiling during the meeting of the county’s museum committee, Henry’s work was described by Jackson as “spectacular.”
The artist said the work “symbolizes everything that happened at residential schools.”
Bruce County is embarking on an Indigenous reconciliation planning initiative that will build a common foundation for reconciliation through increased Indigenous cultural understanding and awareness and will include training for council and staff. This initiative will also develop a Bruce County Indigenous reconciliation action plan, including collaboration with Indigenous people, that will help move Bruce County along the pathway towards reconciliation and renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities
In June, as Canadians celebrate National Indigenous History, Bruce County has partnered with the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) as they host four virtual events to honour and celebrate Indigenous history, culture, and arts, while also raising awareness of the true history and impact of Canada’s residential school system. This year, the events will feature Indigenous teachings, artist performances, DWF programming, and cultural/historical presentations from three regions: Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick, and conclude with a special Canada-wide episode.
All people in Canada, from coast to coast to coast, are invited to tune in on DWF YouTube and Facebook for each of the events.
Northwest Territories is on June 8, 2 p.m.; Saskatchewan is on June 15, 2 p.m.; New Brunswick is on June 22, 2 p.m.; the Canada-wide presentation is on June 29, 2 p.m.
