Tough Stories are an Important Part
of Canada's Past
A nation’s history can hurt. This spring there are exhibitions
at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) in downtown Brampton that
explore tough stories of Canada’s past as the nation celebrates its 150th
year. These are questionable historical events that are told for learning and
reflection and as catalysts for positive change for this country’s collective
future.
Passengers
aboard Komagata Maru in 1914, Vancouver Public Library.
KOMAGATA MARU: A
JOURNEY TO CANADA
Runs until June 11, 2017
Last month the
city of Brampton named on park after the ill-fated Komagata Maru. Why would a landlocked city pay homage to a
tramp steamer that sailed the North Pacific a 103 years ago?
The story begins in
May 1914, when the Japanese registered ship, the Komagata Maru arrived
at the Port of Vancouver. Her passenger list included 376 British subjects (most
were Sikh, Hindu and Muslims) from India who wanted to immigrate to Canada.
They were and all were denied entry. Now
in the 21st century the Canadian government has apologized to the
descendants of that voyage. Canada Post has issued a stamp in their honour, and
here in Brampton the new park and the PAMA exhibition are key to exploring
racism and are part of the museum and
gallery’s Canada 150 program.
Upper Canada Gazette 19
August 1795 N31 ARCHIVES OF ONTARIO
≈
Runs Until -
September 4, 2017
Most people don’t realize that Black enslavement
existed here in Canada. But it did from the 1600s until it was abolished in
1834. This exhibition, presented in partnership with the Archives of Ontario, looks
at untold stories that are now being told for our understanding of true
Canadian history.
THE BLACK COMMUNITY
IN PEEL IN THE 19TH CENTURY
On now - Sept. 4,
2017
This small but impactful exhibition shares some of
the results of PAMA’s ongoing research into the history of Black residents of
Peel in the 1800s. To date, this research has raises more questions than answers.
However, they are essential questions to ask in order to better understand our
history and our communities.
JAMES SIMON
MISHIBINIJIMA: RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL PAINTINGS
Opening June 29 – October 15, 2017
 |
This early summer exhibition will turn the spotlight on First Nations artist
James Simon Mishibinijima. The 63-year old painter lives and works on the
Wikwemikong Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island. Though given the name James
Alexander Simon by the missionaries who could not pronounce his native name, he
proudly signs his work Mishibinijima.
 |
James Simon Mishibinijima, Angels came to me
Simon Mishibinijima, @the artist
|
There are 45 paintings in the show and they are all about Mishibinijima’s
mother and her experiences while she was a student at a Residential School in
Spanish, Ontario. They present in symbolic forms her trauma as a student.
WE ARE
HERE: THE STORY OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLE IN PEEL REGION
This permanent
exhibition was created in collaboration with an Aboriginal Advisory Committee
in Peel.
Aboriginal people
have lived in Peel for generations, but, their personal stories, music and art aren’t
known by many outside of the Aboriginal community. This exhibition changes that
- visitors are invited to come into the lodge and listen. The show
also looks at the genocide, which took place within the residential school
system.
PAMA is a located at the corner of Wellington Street and Main Street,
opposite Brampton's City Hall. We are open seven days a week except on some
civic and statutory holidays. Check the website for hours of operation https://pama.peelregion.ca/en/visitpama/hoursandadmissionfees.asp.
-->
-->
