Canadian Museum of History hosts Residential Schools exhibition

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Gatineau, Quebec, June 6, 2014 — In recognition of National Aboriginal History Month, the Canadian Museum of History is pleased to present the travelling exhibition 100 Years of Loss – The Residential School System in Canada.

Developed by the Legacy of Hope Foundation in collaboration with the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and Library and Archives Canada, 100 Years of Loss examines the emergence of the Residential School System from the early days of European expansion into North America, and traces its legacy to the present. Reproductions of archival photographs, works of art, primary documents and recent research reveal the histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children who were forcibly removed from their families and institutionalized in residential schools. The exhibition has previously toured schools, colleges, universities, galleries, community centres, and has been on display at Truth and Reconciliation Commission events.

“Telling the stories of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada is a significant part of our mandate to promote a greater understanding of Canadian identity, history and culture,” said Jean-Marc Blais, Director General of the Canadian Museum of History. “We are proud to present this important and moving exhibition.”

The Legacy of Hope Foundation is a national Aboriginal charitable organization whose purposes are to educate, raise awareness and understanding of the legacy of residential schools — including the effects and intergenerational impacts on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples — and to support the ongoing healing process of Residential School Survivors.

Legacy of Hope Foundation President, Richard Kistabish said, “Our goal to inform all Canadians of the truth of the Residential School System and to create a greater knowledge of its historical significance while developing a deeper understanding of its present impacts on Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, can be achieved. Telling this truth at the Canadian Museum of History is an important step towards attaining this goal.”

As a supplement to the exhibition, the Museum will offer two public programs. From June 9 to 11, Richard Kistabish and Gordon Williams, both survivors of the Residential School System, will discuss their experiences in Survivor Talks. On June 19, Celebrating Aboriginal Heritage will feature performances by Métis dancers Jaime Koebel and The Jiglets; Cree musician Eliane Kicknosway and her son Theland, a dancer; and Inuit throat singers Cynthia Pitsiulak and Charlotte Qamaniq.

100 Years of Loss runs from June 5 to 29 in the William E. Taylor Salon.

An exhibition developed by the Legacy of Hope Foundation in collaboration with the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and Library and Archives Canada and presented by the Canadian Museum of History.

Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s largest and most popular cultural institution, attracting over 1.2 million visitors each year. The Museum’s principal role is to enhance Canadians’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the events, experiences, people and objects that have shaped Canada’s history and identity, as well as to enhance Canadians’ awareness of world history and culture.

–­ 30 –­

Media contacts: