“My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they wake, it will be the artists who give them back their spirits”- Louis Riel

ART AS ACTION Project

Graffiti Art Programming Inc. Art As Action Project focuses on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action. The process involves an open conversation with youth participants and other organizations. Participants will choose one of the 94 calls to action to address and will express it through specialized art projects, involving visual arts, spoken word, music, or dance.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

“In order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission makes the following calls to action.”

Riverbend Community School mural project was designed and painted with students from the Riverbend Community School, lead by mentoring artist Jedrick Thorassie. Their mural was based on Call to Action #14.

#14. We call upon the federal government to enact an Aboriginal Languages Act that incorporates the following principles:

1. Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them.

2. Aboriginal language rights are reinforced by the Treaties.

3. The federal government has a responsibility to provide sufficient funds for Aboriginal-language revitalization and preservation.

4. The preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and cultures are best managed by Aboriginal people and communities.

5. Funding for Aboriginal language initiatives must reflect the diversity of Aboriginal languages.