Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, and The County Museums recently accepted the 2024 Ontario Museum Association (OMA) Award of Excellence in Special Projects for the exhibit, A Path Forward.
The exhibit, which is housed inside the Macaulay Church Museum in Picton, explores truth and reconciliation in Prince Edward County as well as the shared past, present, and future of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the area. Contemporary Indigenous works of art and story, interspersed with a non-static historical narrative, create a space for reflection and education.
“Thank you to the OMA for this award that further recognizes the hard work and dedication of our partner organizations and all the artists and contributors who have given this wonderful gift to our community,” says Chris Palmer, Supervisor of Museums and Cultural Services. “It’s a beautiful open exhibit that creates a space for reflection, education, and guidance on our path forward together.”
Since its opening in the fall of 2022, the space has welcomed dozens of school groups and hundreds of residents and visitors. Guests have learned about and reflected on the shared past, present and future of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the area.
“The creation of this exhibit began with important conversations around how we could help educate our local community about truth and reconciliation,” says Callie Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na. “Our organization believes the world is made better by Kanyen’kehà:ka culture, knowledge, and ways of knowing. A Path Forward is one way we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn about our past, experience our present, and join in our bright future.”
The award citation noted that the “project demonstrates the potential of museums to foster dialogue and trust with thoughtful responses to local events.” More than 20 Indigenous artists contributed to making this interactive art exhibit a reality.
“Gord Downie challenged all of us to “Do Something” to move reconciliation forward. We call this reconciliACTION – meaningful actions that move reconciliation forward,” says Sarah Midanik, President and CEO of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. “We are so pleased that guests of the A Path Forward exhibit can learn the local history, explore incredible artwork from local Indigenous artists, and be inspired to take reconciliACTION in their communities.”
The exhibit is ongoing at the museum (23 Church Street, Picton). The partners plan to continue to grow and evolve the exhibit, with a digital platform arriving in the coming year, and to welcome more local and regional students, teachers, residents, and visitors. Visit The County Museums to learn more including hours of operation.
