KOMAGATA MARU and other true stories in Brampton

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 150^th 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 21^st 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

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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. 

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